Admissions Steps
Meet Basic Entry Requirements
To be eligible for Unitek's BSN program, you'll need a high school diploma or GED equivalent. You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. You'll also need to demonstrate English proficiency. If you have any prior college coursework, official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process. These baseline requirements apply before you begin tackling the prerequisite courses specific to the nursing program.
Complete Prerequisite Courses
Unitek's BSN program requires completion of general education and science prerequisites including Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English Composition, General Psychology, Statistics, and additional general education courses. You'll need to earn minimum grades in each prerequisite, typically a C or better in science courses. Prerequisites can generally be completed at any regionally accredited institution, including community colleges. A stronger prerequisite GPA makes your application more competitive.
Submit Application & Entrance Testing
You'll need to take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam and meet the minimum score requirement. Submit your application along with official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Unitek uses a rolling admissions process with multiple start dates throughout the year, which gives you more flexibility than programs with a single annual application window. An admissions interview may be part of the evaluation process.
Complete Background & Health Clearances
Before starting clinical rotations, you must pass a background check and drug screening. You'll need current immunization records including Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, and an annual flu shot. A TB test or chest X-ray, current CPR/BLS certification from the American Heart Association, and a physical exam are also required. Some clinical sites may have additional requirements, so plan to complete all clearances well ahead of your first rotation date.
Unitek College Admissions Quick Reference
BSN Prerequisites: Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, English Composition, Psychology, Statistics, General Education courses
Entrance Exam: TEAS required
GPA Minimum: Contact school for current minimum GPA requirements
Start Dates: Multiple start dates per year
Background Check: Required before clinical rotations
Unitek College Program FAQs
Is Unitek College accredited?
Unitek College holds institutional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). These accreditations mean your degree will be recognized for licensure and by employers. You can verify the school's current accreditation status directly through the CCNE and WSCUC directories.
How much does Unitek College's BSN program cost?
Unitek does not prominently list tuition on its website, so you should contact the admissions office for the current total cost of attendance including tuition, fees, books, and supplies. As a private institution, Unitek will be significantly more expensive than Bakersfield College's ADN program, which runs a few thousand dollars for in-state students. Unitek does participate in federal financial aid programs and may offer payment plans.
What is Unitek College's NCLEX pass rate?
Current NCLEX-RN pass rate data for Unitek's Bakersfield campus should be available through the California Board of Registered Nursing's website or the school's consumer disclosures page. Pass rates can vary from year to year, so ask the admissions office for the most recent data. Compare their rate to the California state average, which typically hovers around 85-90%. A strong pass rate is one of the best indicators of program quality.
Where do Unitek College students complete clinical rotations?
Unitek partners with local hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Bakersfield area for clinical rotations. While specific partner facility names are not always listed publicly, Bakersfield-area clinical sites may include hospitals like Kern Medical, Mercy Hospital, and Adventist Health Bakersfield. Clinical rotations expose you to different specialties and settings. Ask the admissions office for the current clinical site list, as these partnerships can change from year to year.
How does Unitek College compare to public options in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield College offers an ADN program at public community college rates, which is dramatically cheaper than Unitek's private BSN tuition. Cal State Bakersfield offers a public university BSN. Unitek's advantage is its accelerated format and multiple start dates, so you may finish faster and avoid long waitlists. However, you'll pay a premium for that flexibility. All programs lead to the same NCLEX-RN exam, and employers in the area hire from all three schools.