Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)

To apply for the Basic BSN Program, two separate applications are required:

• Apply to CSU, Chico through Cal State Apply. Apply as Pre-Nursing.
• Apply to the School of Nursing basic BSN program through the NursingCAS

While we are happy to answer specific questions, we will not review applications for completeness or errors before submission.

• 3.0 cumulative GPA or in the last 60 units
• 3.5 cumulative GPA in the completed prerequisite courses
• Official transcripts, and AP scores if applicable, to the CSU, Chico
  Office of Admissions and NursingCAS.

Current Chico State students do not need to send transcripts to Chico State unless specifically requested to do so.

All materials must be received by NursingCAS by 8:59 PST on the deadline with the exception of the CASPER test which goes directly from Acuity Insights to the School of Nursing. The CASPER test must also be distributed by the deadline. We cannot accept any late documents regardless of the reason.

Additional Requirement Docs and Forms

• Application Requirements, Criteria, and Document Submission Instructions
• Verification of Proficiency in a Second Language
• Volunteer Hours Certification Form

Casper is an online, open-response situational judgment test that takes 65-85 minutes to complete. You will register for CSP-10106–Undergraduate Health Sciences.

These test dates can only be used for Fall 2026.

• May 14, 2025 – 5:00 p.m. PDT
• August 5, 2025 – 5:00 p.m. PDT
• September 4, 2025 – 5:00 p.m. PDT
• October 21, 2025 – 5:00 p.m. PDT
• November 13, 2025 – 5:00 p.m. PST
• December 4, 2025 – 5:00 p.m. PST
• January 13, 2026 – 5:00 p.m. PST
• February 5, 2026 – 5:00 p.m. PST
• February 24, 2026 – 5:00 p.m. PST

CA Residency: Applications from California residents and students eligible to pay in-state tuition are considered prior to any non-resident applications.

Local preference: Priority is given to applicants from the CSU Chico admission area as well as applicants from the Cal Poly Humboldt admission area. Priority is given to students who graduated high school, or completed 30 or more units in any of the following counties:

• Butte, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, Modoc, Northern Mendocino (north of Ukiah), Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, and Yuba
• Additionally, Sierra College (coursework completed through Tahoe-Truckee and Nevada County Campuses only)

CSU, Chico Student Preference: Applicants who have completed 30 units at CSU, Chico at the time of application will be awarded preference points.

Returning Applicants: Ensure that you keep your admission status active during the timeframe between application cycles or to re-apply to the university if you cancel your enrollment status.

CSU Chico Graduating Applicants: If you are a current CSU Chico student who is graduating with another degree at the time of application, you will need to reapply to the University for the term in which you are applying for nursing.

Post Baccalaureate Students: The School of Nursing does accept post baccalaureate students. When applying through Cal State Apply, please apply as an undergraduate.

LVN Placement and LVN Option: Applicants who hold LVN licenses may qualify for advanced placement upon admission to our on-campus BSN nursing program. LVNs may also choose an LVN 30-unit option, which meets the requirements for taking the RN licensing examination in California but does not lead to any degree. LVN applicants must follow the same application process as prelicensure students. Special selection criteria are used to determine which students will be admitted.

Military Service Rewarded: Veterans with previous medical/corpsman experience may be eligible to receive additional points on their supplemental nursing applications.

• Academic Credit: For conditionally admitted students who are a previous member of the armed forces and wish to receive academic credit for their education or experience, you MUST notify the Director of the School of Nursing within four weeks of your acceptance into the basic BSN program.
  
• BRN Policies for Ex-Military Students
  CSU Chico Policy Compliance with BRN Regulations for Awarding of Credit for Previous Education or Other Acquired Knowledge, Including Military Education and Experience
  
  Policy
  
  CSU Chico complies with California Board of Registered Nursing regulations as follows: 

1. The Prelicensure Student Handbook shall include a section referring to Executive Order 1036 policy Systemwide Admission Eligibility and/or Baccalaureate Credit Awarded for External Examinations, Experiential Learning, and Instruction in Non-Collegiate Settings as the mechanism for awarding course credit for previous education or other acquired knowledge, including military education and experience. The Student's handbook should note that this policy applies to all students, including those who have served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces.
2. The campus nursing webpage listing information on its pre-licensure program shall provide a link identified as “Information on the awarding of course credit for prior education or other acquired knowledge, including military education and experience” that directs to the pre-licensure student handbook (or has a PDF of the policy and procedures) that outlines program procedures related to this policy.
3. A form outlining the procedures will be provided and kept as a record in the student’s file. The procedural section shall include the following key elements:
   • A beginning and ending timeline for notification by the student to the undergraduate nursing program director or designee of request to seek credit for coursework and presentation of materials, documents and evidence for consideration for a specified course(s). The student must adhere to this timeline for consideration in order that necessary clearance may be granted.

CSU, Chico Procedures for awarding of Credit for Previous Education or Other Acquired Knowledge, Including Military Education and Experience.