Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Guide patient care through CBU’s intensive undergraduate nursing program blending comprehensive clinical training with Christian principles.
Transform Our World Through Compassionate Care
As a profession, nursing is expected to see steady growth over the next decade. Yet, not all care is equal. Respected throughout the Inland Empire for the quality of our graduates, California Baptist University infuses our demanding, intensive Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program with Christ’s mission. This results in skilled, caring and responsible nursing professionals ready to both serve and lead in entry-level roles. Through this mindset, we train our students to improve patient outcomes and compassionately guide care in local, national and global contexts.
Why Major in Nursing at CBU?
You’re defined by your caring mindset, and you’re considering careers where you’ll assist and guide others. Nursing places you on a path toward one of the most noble roles in the medical field. CBU helps you step up to the challenge through a program emphasizing hands-on learning, thoroughly introducing you to professional expectations and allowing you to go forward in Christ’s image.
To achieve this, CBU’s BSN program:
- Reflects our pioneering nature: We were the first four-year university in Riverside County to offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Today, our graduates perform well on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) and go on to be recruited by the region’s top healthcare providers.
- Stresses real-world learning: To ensure students receive a variety of clinical experiences, clinical rotations take place at various hospitals and healthcare facilities as assigned. Currently, we have clinical partnerships with Corona Regional Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Loma Linda Veterans Administration, Parkview Community Hospital and many others.
- Reflects Christ’s teachings: Your desire to care for others reflects both your convictions and vocation. CBU’s BSN program harnesses your mindset and aspirations to prepare you to become a registered nurse and serve others through scholarly, research-based care.
What You'll Learn
Upon acceptance into the BSN program, you’ll:
- Acquire nuanced clinical judgment in terms of patient care, identifying complications and supporting underserved populations.
- Strengthen your critical-thinking, problem-solving and communication skills.
- Learn to become a competent, caring and responsible nursing professional guided by a biblical perspective.
- Apply theoretical concepts in multiple clinical experiences that prepare you for the dynamic healthcare field.
- Understand how to provide evidence-based care through research and scholarship.
- Consider your role in assisting communities and leading change through compassion at a global level.
Review all outcomes for CBU’s BSN program.
Program Details
Those interested in this program start out as pre-nursing majors once accepted to CBU. From there:
- You’ll complete all prerequisite requirements: This introductory sequence overlaps with CBU’s general education requirements. You’ll explore subjects in anatomy and physiology, human microbiology, chemistry, organic and biochemistry, mathematics, writing and communication.
- You’ll apply to the BSN program: This involves completing and submitting an application as you finish the prerequisite sequence. Students are accepted to the BSN program for the fall and spring semesters.
- You’ll continue with the BSN sequence: This builds off the prerequisites to introduce you to more advanced medical terminology, patient care techniques and professional ethics. Over six full-time semesters on campus, you’ll learn to meet the care needs of individuals along the lifespan. Courses prepare you to conduct health assessments, care for those with acute and chronic illness and communicate and lead in a healthcare setting. Courses also expose you to topics in pathophysiology, pharmacology, disease prevention and health promotion. NCLEX preparation is integrated into the program.
- You’ll complete the program’s clinical requirement: This requirement places you in various clinical settings throughout the Inland Empire, Orange County, and Los Angeles County, and reflects the California Board of Registered Nursing’s requirements.
For students who have already passed the NCLEX to become licensed as a registered nurse, CBU offers an online RN to BSN program to complete your bachelor’s degree in 12 to 16 months.
NUR 355: Mental Health Nursing
Introduction to mental health nursing services and nurse-person and nurse-group communication patterns.
NUR 420: Community and Public Health Nursing
The course focuses on a theoretical understanding of nursing concepts which are utilized in nurse-community processes.
NUR 430: Transcultural Patterns of Health
This course will examine patterns of health beliefs and values from a nursing theoretical perspective.
What is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program?
The purpose of the baccalaureate program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
is to provide a curriculum that will broaden the theoretical knowledge base of the
learner in preparation for an entry-level professional nursing practice and possibility
of graduate nursing study. If you currently have a non-nursing bachelor's degree and
are looking to transition into nursing, please consider the EL MSN program.
How long is the entire program?
4 years, 4 1/2 years or 5 years depending on completion of prerequisite courses and
other degree requirements.
Am I required to attend an Information Session?
We highly recommend you RSVP to attend an information session, as we discuss pertinent
details of the program and clarify admission guidelines, prerequisite courses, financial
aid, etc.
Lisa Bursch, DNP, CPNP-PC
Professor of Nursing
Associate Dean, Division of Graduate Nursing
Office Phone: 951-343-4940
E-mail: lbursch@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Nursing Annex 275
Debra Coleman, Ph.D.
Professor of Nursing
Office Phone: 951-343-4691
E-mail: dcoleman@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Lambeth Complex, Room 202
Rebecca Meyer, Ph.D.
Professor of Nursing
Director, Nurse Educator Program; Director Nurse Faculty Loan Program
Office Phone: 951-343-4952
E-mail: rmeyer@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Nursing Annex 274
Terri Thompson, DNP, RN
Professor of Nursing
Office Phone: 951-552-8826
E-mail: tthompso@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Nursing Annex 243
As you make decisions about college, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.
CBU's nursing program was awesome because it had the latest and greatest technology that optimized learning and had clinical sites in high acuity facilities. ... CBU helped prepare me for the future as a registered nurse in the U.S. Navy.
Haley Chambers '22
Navy Nurse
Within a couple months [of graduating], I picked up a job working in the trauma ICU at Loma Linda University. There are few things more rewarding than being part of the team that brings a person back from the brink.
Joel Schaefer '14
ICU RN, Kaiser Fontana Medical Center
As part of our capstone project, we were placed with a nurse at a local hospital. It was very challenging but that experience definitely prepared me for practicing as a nurse on my own after graduation.
Michael Creighton '14
PICU RN, Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
I chose my major because it's a great way to serve my community and I love helping people. This program is preparing me to handle the rigorous work nurses do.
Hailey Stocker '20
I was interested in nursing because I have taken care of my family my entire life. It's a great feeling to know I can help people get better.
Joseph Adams '19
Student Opportunities: Clinical Rotations
All BSN students are required to participate in 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. To ensure students receive a variety of clinical experiences, rotations will take place at various hospitals, health care facilities and the community, as assigned.
Career Possibilities
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6% growth for registered nurses between 2021 and 2031. CBU’s program equips you for success: Your solid clinical foundation lets you make an impact from day one, and having a bachelor’s degree sets your career on an upward trajectory. This can entail assuming more leadership responsibilities with time and lays the foundation to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing.
Related Programs
Discover Your Purpose
Connect with your faith and calling to uplift others. If you see yourself in CBU’s BSN program, request additional information to learn more, or start your application.