FAQs
About the Program
Application
Entrance Exam
Prerequisites
Financial Aid
International
About the Program
Is this program accredited?
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) has approved the program. CBU is
regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The
master’s degree program in nursing at California Baptist University is accredited
by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
What is the difference between the BSN and the EL MSN?
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree is an undergraduate program that allows
students to complete a bachelor's degree as they prepare to become registered nurses
(RNs). Typically these students are first-time freshmen and/or transfer students.
The EL MSN program is a graduate program designed for individuals who already hold
a bachelor's degree and are looking to transition into nurse leadership roles.
What is the difference between the MSN and the EL MSN program?
Both programs are graduate nursing programs; however, the Master of Science in Nursing
(MSN) program is designed for students who already have a Bachelors of Science in
Nursing (BSN) and are looking to further their nursing education. The EL MSN program
is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in another discipline who are
looking to transition into nursing.
When will I become a nurse?
The EL MSN program provides the education necessary to become a licensed Registered
Nurse at a graduate level. Upon completion of the first four semesters, students can
apply for RN licensure. The Masters degree will be awarded upon completion of all
pre- and post-licensure coursework.
Does the EL MSN program prepare me to become a licensed RN (Registered Nurse)?
Yes. The program provides Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) approved coursework and
clinical experiences needed in preparation for the National Council Licensing Examination
(NCLEX-RN) to practice as a registered nurse in California.
What is the program's NCLEX pass rate?
EL MSN students have consistently high pass rates. Updated pass rates are regularly
published on the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) website.
Do you offer the program in a part-time format? What about online?
No. The EL MSN is a full-time graduate program that is offered on the main campus
of CBU.
Is the EL MSN program accelerated?
Partially. Students complete all pre-licensure nursing coursework in an accelerated
format in preparation for a normal-paced Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
Can I complete the pre-licensure portion of the program only?
No. The EL MSN is a graduate program designed for those who desire to transition professionally
into the field of nursing and desire to earn a Master of Science in Nursing. We do
not provide a BSN opt-out.
How do you determine who is selected for the program?
The Nursing Admissions Committee reviews all applicants and students are selected
based on a holistic review; including various criteria such as cumulative GPA, science
GPA, interview, essay, recommendations, entrance exam, and practical experience.
Do I have to complete a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) before I can enter the
EL MSN program?
No. Applicants may enter the program with a bachelor's degree of a different program
from a regionally accredited institution. However, applicants are required to complete
certain prerequisites and admission requirements to be eligible for the EL MSN program.
How long is the program?
It takes approximately 3.5 years to complete the pre- and post- licensure EL MSN program.
Are you on a semester or quarter system?
CBU has three semesters: fall, spring, and summer.
How many students do you accept per year?
We admit 40 students to the EL MSN program per year.
What are the program entry dates?
The EL MSN program offers one start date per year in early May (summer semester).
Can I work while I am in the EL MSN program?
Applicants are advised that the pre-licensure portion of the program requires a very
intensive, full-time commitment from students. It is recommended they not work or
entertain other commitments outside of the program while preparing for licensure.
Will I be required to complete a practicum (clinical rotation hours) as part of the
program?
Yes, all pre-licensure and MSN specialty courses require clinical practicum hours
as mandated by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). The CBU College of
Nursing meets or exceeds all clinical hour requirements.
Does admission as a pre-nursing student guarantee acceptance to the EL MSN program?
No, once the pre-nursing courses are complete, the other admission documents must
be submitted for the review process. The program is competitive and acceptance is
based on the review of all of the admissions requirements.
Application
How can I position myself as a strong applicant?
Given the competitive applicant pool, we recommend you submit a thorough and complete
application packet prior to the deadline. Your ability to articulate why you want
to be a nurse weighs heavily in the evaluation process. This should be clearly communicated
in your essay and interview. Volunteer or work experience in a hospital/healthcare
facility provides an added advantage.
Do I have to have hospital/healthcare experience before I can apply to the EL MSN
program?
Some exposure to hospital/healthcare settings is highly recommended. Interacting with
patients and healthcare professionals is essential to creating a foundation that promotes
the critical thinking and clinical decision making necessary for the development and
practice of sound nursing skills.
When is the application deadline?
Please refer to the Important Dates webpage for updated application deadlines.
What is the minimum GPA for the EL MSN program?
The minimum GPA is 3.0. GPA calculations are based on comparing cumulative to the
last 60 semester/90 quarter units. The higher of the two calculations will be taken.
Coursework taken after or before your bachelor's degree is also included in the calculation.
The minimum science GPA is 2.8. The science GPA is calculated using the grades/units
from the prerequisite science courses only.
Once I apply, when will I find out if I am accepted to the program?
A complete application means that ALL required application materials have been received,
including completion of all prerequisites, letters of recommendation, essay, transcripts,
and test scores. All admission documents must be received and verified by NursingCAS.
Upon completion of a successful interview, applicants will be selected and an email
will be sent within a couple of weeks.
Do I need to re-apply to the EL MSN program for each application cycle?
Yes, starting 2019, applicants need to re-apply to each cycle.
Entrance Exam
What is the TEAS exam?
The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a four-option, multiple choice, computer
based exam. There are 170 questions and test-takers are given 209 minutes to complete
the exam. Please see the ATI website for more information: https://www.atitesting.com/teas/teas-exam
What content is included in the exam?
Testing areas include: Reading, Math, Science, English, and Language
Where can I take the TEAS exam?
There are two options to complete the TEAS. (1) if you desire to take it remotely,
fill out the registration form located on the Important Dates page. (2) if you desire to take it in person, ATI has partnered with PSI testing
centers for in-person test administration, and there are many locations in Southern
California. For information on how to create an ATI account, as well as how to check
dates, times, and locations for the TEAS, please visit the application requirements page.
When is the exam offered?
Through the PSI testing centers, there are many dates and times* that you can take
the TEAS. For information on how to create an ATI account, as well as how to check dates, times,
and locations for the TEAS, please visit the application requirements page.
How do I register for the TEAS?
First you will need to create an ATI account. Then you will need to register for a
date and time through PSI. For detailed instructions on creating and ATI account and
registering for the exam, please visit the application requirements page.
When would you recommend taking the exam?
We would recommend taking 4-6 weeks to study for the exam using the ATI resources, but you can take the TEAS exam at any point between now and the application deadline.
I took the PAX for the last application cycle. Will you still accept my score?
For the Summer 2020 application cycle, we will not be accepting PAX scores. If you
took the PAX for the Summer 2019 application cycle or before, you will need to take
the TEAS.
How much does it cost?
The exam will cost $115* when taken through a PSI testing center.
How is the TEAS scored?
The total score is an adjusted percent correct score which ranges from 0.0% to 100%.
It is an equated score generated by the information from the entire set of 150 scored
questions. Equated scores are adjusted to account for possible differences in difficulty
across questions.
What is the minimum score?
The minimum score for the TEAS that CBU will accept is a 60.
How many times can I take the TEAS in one application cycle?
You can take the TEAS up to 3 times in one application cycle. We will take the highest
score and apply it to your nursing application.
Which score will you look at if I take the TEAS multiple times?
We will look at the highest score of the attempts for which we receive score reports.
What is the latest exam date that will be accepted?
The TEAS exam needs to be completed by the application deadline for the cycle in which
you are applying.
How long is my exam score good for (does it expire)?
We can use your TEAS exam score for one year (2 BSN cycles, 1 EL MSN cycle). After
that, you will need to re-take the exam.
If I took the TEAS previously, will you accept my score?
If you have taken the TEAS within one year of the application deadline, then we will
accept your TEAS results. You can order a score report through ATI, and have it sent
to CBU.
Is there a recommended study guide for the TEAS?
Yes, ATI has produced several resources for TEAS exam preparation. Please see this webpage for more information.
*Dates, times, locations, and cost of the exam are all subject to change. For the most updated information, please log in to your ATI account and select the options you are interested in.
Prerequisites
What are the prerequisites for the program?
Please see our Prerequisites page for a complete list of courses needed.*
Can I take my prerequisites online?
Yes; however, online science classes (labs) are not acceptable.
What if I do not have all of the prerequisites?
Students have several options for completing outstanding prerequisites including CLEP,
DANTES, some AP courses, and accredited community colleges and universities. All prerequisites
must be completed prior to acceptance to the program with a grade of "C" or better.
Can I take prerequisites at CBU?
Yes, students may take prerequisite courses at CBU as a pre-nursing graduate student
(prior to applying to the EL MSN program). You may apply for this option via our online application.
If I am applying to Graduate Pre-Nursing at CBU, do I need to re-apply to the EL MSN
program?
Yes. Once you are completing courses as a graduate pre-nursing student, you will need
to re-apply to the EL MSN program.
What is the format for the science courses and prerequisites?
16 week format (traditional semester-daytime); 8 week online lecture and Saturday
lab; and 8 week hybrid courses (combination of online and in class)
When can I start taking prerequisite courses for the EL MSN program?
You can begin taking prerequisites in the fall (September), spring (January), or summer
(May).
Can you evaluate my prerequisites for the EL MSN program?
Once your application is received through NursingCAS, we will review your prerequisite
coursework and let you know if something is missing. We recommend submitting your
application at least 3 months prior to the deadline, to ensure that you have time
to complete any outstanding prerequisites.
Do my prerequisites have to be completed within the last five years?
No, we currently do not have a recency requirement. This is subject to change.
Do I have to complete prerequisites prior to starting the EL MSN program?
All prerequisite coursework must be completed by the end of the fall semester. Final
transcripts must be received by December 31.
Is there a certain grade requirement for the prerequisite courses?
Yes, you must receive a grade of "C" or better. If you do not obtain this, the course
will need to be repeated.
Financial Aid
Am I eligible for financial aid as a pre-nursing graduate student?
Financial options for graduate pre-nursing students include private scholarships,
federal direct loans, Grad Plus loans, unsubsidized loans and private/alternative
loans. To learn more, visit calbaptist.edu/gradfinaid.
How do I apply for financial aid?
You must submit your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online to the Department of Education
for the appropriate academic year.
What is your school code for FAFSA?
Our school code is 001125.
Can I receive state grants as a graduate student?
Most graduate students are not eligible for state grants. In some cases, students
may qualify if they are already receiving Cal Grants as an undergraduate student.
Do you offer scholarships to graduate students?
Scholarships are not offered through CBU; however you can research scholarship options
for graduate nursing students. You may also speak with a financial aid counselor for
other options.
How many units do I have to take to get financial aid?
Federal loans are offered to graduate students who are enrolled in a minimum of five
(5) units (part time status); enrollment in nine (9) units is considered full-time.
Your financial aid award amount is in part based on the number of units you are enrolled
in.
Can I speak with someone in the Financial Aid Office?
Once you apply to the program, file your FAFSA and check the CBU financial aid website
for tips, you can contact the Financial Aid Office for further assistance.
When will I know how much financial aid I can receive?
You will receive an offer of financial aid once you register for classes and CBU receives
an electronic copy of your FAFSA.
Are student loans income or credit based?
No, your award amount is based on need as determined by the results of your FAFSA.
Other loans (i.e. the grad plus loan) may have different award criteria.
International
My bachelor's degree is from a foreign university. Do I have to get it evaluated?
No. You are not required to have transcripts evaluated prior to submission. Please
note that we only accept evaluated transcripts from only a few companies (i.e. IERF,
WES).
Which international credential evaluation service do you recommend?
International Education Research Foundation, Inc (IERF)
P.O. Box 3665, Culver City, CA 90231-3655
Office: 310- 258-9451; Fax: 310-342-7086
I am a registered nurse with a degree from another country. Can I take a class at
CBU to fulfill the requirements for RN licensure in California?
Currently CBU only allows nursing students who are accepted into the program to take
classes. We do not offer any stand-alone courses to individuals who are not accepted
into the program.
Where can I find more information about applying to CBU as an international student?
Please visit our website at www.calbaptist.edu/international.