Admissions Steps
Meet Basic Entry Requirements
You must first be admitted to CSUB as a university student. This requires a high school diploma or GED and meeting CSU eligibility requirements, including completion of the A-G subject requirements for freshman applicants or transfer-level coursework for community college transfers. You should declare nursing or pre-nursing as your intended major. International students must meet additional English proficiency requirements.
Complete Prerequisite Courses
CSUB's pre-licensure BSN requires prerequisite courses including Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, General Chemistry, Statistics, Introductory Psychology, Human Development (lifespan), English Composition, and Nutrition. A minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 is typically required, and a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. Grades of C or better are generally required in all science and nursing prerequisites. These courses can be completed at CSUB or transferred from community colleges.
Submit Application & Entrance Testing
After completing prerequisites, you submit a separate supplemental nursing application to the Department of Nursing during the designated application window, typically in early spring for fall admission. You must take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam and achieve a competitive score. Applicants are ranked using a multi-criteria screening process that weighs prerequisite GPA, TEAS score, and other factors. The program is impacted, so meeting minimums does not guarantee admission.
Complete Background & Health Clearances
Once accepted, you must complete several clearances before starting clinical rotations. These include a criminal background check, drug screening, up-to-date immunizations (including Hepatitis B series, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and annual flu shot), a current TB test or chest X-ray, CPR/BLS certification for healthcare providers, a physical examination, and proof of health insurance. Clinical facility requirements may vary, so stay in close contact with the program coordinator.
CSUB Nursing Admissions Quick Reference
Pre-Licensure BSN Prerequisites: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, General Chemistry, Statistics, Psychology, Human Development, English Composition, Nutrition
RN-to-BSN Prerequisites: Current CA RN license, lower-division GE courses, contact school for full list
Entrance Exam: TEAS (pre-licensure BSN)
GPA Minimum: 2.75 cumulative, 3.0 prerequisite (pre-licensure BSN)
Start Dates: Fall semester (pre-licensure BSN); contact school for RN-to-BSN dates
Background Check: Required before clinical rotations
California State University, Bakersfield Program FAQs
Is California State University, Bakersfield accredited?
Yes. CSUB is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The nursing programs hold programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and are approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing. CCNE accreditation is widely recognized and ensures the program meets national quality standards. You can verify accreditation status directly through the CCNE and BRN websites.
How much does CSUB's RN program cost?
As a California State University campus, CSUB charges approximately $7,400 per year in systemwide tuition and fees for California residents. Over four years including prerequisites, your total may run roughly $30,000 before financial aid. This is significantly less than private career colleges in Bakersfield, where total program costs can exceed $40,000-$70,000 for shorter programs. Non-residents pay substantially more. Contact the financial aid office for current fee schedules and nursing-specific costs.
What is CSUB's NCLEX-RN pass rate?
CSUB's NCLEX-RN pass rates have historically ranged from the mid-80s to low-90s percent, which is competitive with state and national averages. Pass rates can fluctuate from year to year depending on the cohort. You can look up the most recent data through the California Board of Registered Nursing's annual school performance reports. Ask the Department of Nursing directly for their latest figures during your campus visit.
Where do CSUB nursing students complete clinical rotations?
CSUB partners with major Kern County healthcare facilities for clinical rotations. Students typically train at Kern Medical Center (the county's safety-net hospital), Adventist Health Bakersfield, and Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield. Rotations cover diverse settings including medical-surgical units, intensive care, labor and delivery, pediatrics, psychiatric care, and community health. These partnerships give you exposure to a broad patient population. Contact the nursing department for the most current clinical site list.
How does CSUB compare to other RN options in Bakersfield?
CSUB offers a four-year BSN at public university tuition, making it the most affordable bachelor's-level option in Bakersfield. Bakersfield College offers a lower-cost ADN at community college rates but awards an associate degree, not a BSN. Glendale Career College and Unitek College are private institutions that may offer faster completion but at significantly higher tuition. If you want a BSN without private-school costs, CSUB is the strongest local choice, though admission is competitive and takes longer.