Entry-Level Nursing, MSN

The entry-level MSN program is designed for candidates who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree and seek to transition professionally into the field of nursing.

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Program Intro

The entry-level MSN program is designed for candidates who hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree and seek to transition professionally into the field of nursing. Those who have completed all prerequisite courses may apply directly to the EL MSN program. Those who have not yet completed prerequisites for the EL MSN program may apply to the Graduate Pre-Nursing program at CBU.

108 Units
10 Semesters
$815 +fees Cost Per Unit

*Based on current academic year. Subject to change.

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Why Earn Your MSN at CBU?

Reach your goals at your convenience

Students who have never taken a nursing class can reach their goal of obtaining a master’s in nursing. EL MSN students complete pre-licensure nursing courses which will prepare them to take the National Council Licensure Examination. Once licensed as a registered nurse, the student completes post-licensure coursework to earn a Master of Science in Nursing.

Practice nursing with a holistic perspective

Consistent with CBU's faith-based mission, the master's curriculum emphasizes a holistic perspective utilizing nursing theory as a guide. Specially selected practicum opportunities allow candidates the option to practice in a variety of healthcare settings, while serving individuals, families and communities. Practicum hours are completed under the instruction and supervision of CBU's College of Nursing faculty who share the faith-based mission and holistic perspective for providing nursing care.

What You'll Learn

  1. Analyze theory-guided practice grounded in a biblical worldview.
  2. Evaluate the effectiveness of clinical prevention interventions that affect individual and population-health outcomes.
  3. Integrate evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes.
  4. Use information technology to interpret data and to optimize patient outcomes, communication and coordination of care.
  5. Demonstrate professional, competent and responsible master's level nursing.
  6. Demonstrate effective leadership to reduce health disparities across the continuum of care.

Program Details

NUR 521: Adult Health I

This is the first of two Medical Surgical courses applying nursing theory and using evidence based clinical judgment in the care of adult clients with acute and chronic illnesses.

NUR 526: Mental Health Nursing

Introduction to mental health nursing services and nurse-person and nurse-group communication patterns. 

NUR 535: Nursing Services with the Child-Rearing Family

This course applies nursing theory and uses evidence-based clinical judgment in the care of children and adolescents with acute and chronic illnesses.

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Complete one of the following concentrations:

  • Nurse Educator
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Nursing Organizational Leadership

Amanda Madrid, M.S.N.

Assistant Professor of Nursing
Assistant Professor of Community/Public Health Nursing
Interdisciplinary Healthcare Simulation Development

Office Phone: 951-552-8155
E-mail: amadrid@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Nursing Annex 166

Margaret Matthews, M.S.N.

Assistant Professor of Nursing
Director of ELMSN Program

Office Phone: 951-552-8443
E-mail: mmatthews@calbaptist.edu
Office Location: Lambeth Rm 206

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

Is this program accredited?

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.

What is the difference between the BSN and 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.

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Summer 2022 Statistics for Accepted Students: 

Cumulative GPA*: 3.27
Last 60 semester unit GPA*: 3.51
Science GPA*: 3.4
TEAS Score*: 80%
TEAS Science Score*: 75%

Summer 2023 Statistics for Accepted Students:

Cumulative GPA*: 3.17
Last 60 semester unit GPA*: 3.5
Science GPA*: 3.5
TEAS Score*: 82%
TEAS Science Score*: 79%
45% of students had an additional certification or licensure

*Numbers represented are the average of the total students who were accepted for that semester.

As you prepare to apply for the EL MSN program, please complete the prerequisite self-evaluation form to determine whether you qualify for the EL MSN program or first need to complete your prerequisites as part of our Graduate Pre-Nursing program. Once you have completed the prerequisite self-evaluation, click the link for your program of interest to read full application requirements.

Pre-Nursing: If you have not completed all of the pre-requisites required for the EL-MSN program, you may complete your prerequisite courses at CBU as a Graduate Pre-Nursing student. View the application requirements for Pre-Nursing.

EL MSN: If you have completed all of the prerequisites with a “C” or better, you are eligible to apply for the EL MSN program. View the application requirements for EL MSN.

nursing students

Student Opportunities: Clinical Rotations

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. To ensure students receive a variety of clinical experiences, rotations will take place at various hospitals, health care facilities and the community, as assigned.

nursing student in the simulation lab

Student Opportunities: Clinical Simulation Lab

For additional experiential learning, students also enjoy access to CBU's state-of-the-art Clinical Simulation Lab and Resource Center. These rooms are equipped with low fidelity and high fidelity simulation equipment, human-computer interaction programs, and advanced practice task trainers for customized learning.  

Career Possibilities

  • Registered Nurse
  • Nurse Leader
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nurse Informaticist

*Some career opportunities may require further education

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Next Steps

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