New Program Helps 'Non-Nurses' Earn Nursing Degree

In response to the critical nursing shortage, the Department of Nursing at California State University, Fresno has developed a new accelerated entry level master's (ELM) nursing program. This unique graduate program offers non-nurses the opportunity to enter the nursing field with a Master of Science in Nursing degree.

The California State University Chancellor's Office is funding this one-time offering to enable students who have a baccalaureate degree in a field other than nursing to complete the required nursing courses and be eligible to become a registered nurse. To be admitted to the program, individuals must possess a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in any field and have completed the required nursing prerequisite courses before the end of the spring 2006 semester.

It is anticipated that graduates of this program will fill leadership positions in nursing and provide nursing faculty for institutions throughout the San Joaquin Valley. This unique program will run parallel to the established baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs, and will add significantly to the more than 100 nurses that California State University prepares each year.

Classes in the accelerated ELM program will begin May 22, 2006, when the Department of Nursing will admit a cohort of 60 qualified students to the graduate program. Students will be able to take the registered nurse licensure examination after 18 months of study and will graduate with a Masters of Science degree in Nursing as a Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Educator in May 2009.

This intensive graduate program will require a full-time commitment and will include summer courses and some evening and weekend classes. Clinical rotations will include rural health care settings, and students from rural areas and diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible, students must do all of the following: Have a BA or BS degree, complete the eight prerequisites by May 21, 2006, take the GRE exam, apply to the University Admissions Graduate/Post-baccalaureate by April 1, 2006, and apply to the nursing program by April 1.

Information on the courses required for admission and the application process can be found at www.csufresno.edu/nursing or by contacting the nursing admission's office at (559) 278-6579.

Contact: Shirley Melikian Armbruster, (559) 278-5292 or (559) 593-1815