FAQs
About the Program
Application
Nursing Profession
Financial Aid
International
About the Program
1. What is the College of Nursing's reputation in the community?
The College of Nursing has an excellent reputation in the community, as does the university.
We anticipate our graduates will be actively recruited by local and state health care
providers. CBU is the first four-year regionally and nationally accredited university
in the County of Riverside to be approved for such a program.
2. 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
masters degree program in nursing at California Baptist University is accredited by
the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
3. How long is the program?
The MSN program takes between 6 and 8 semesters.
4. Are you on a semester or quarter system?
CBU has three semesters: fall, spring, and summer.
5. What is the program format?
MSN classes are offered one night per week from 3:00 p.m to 9:30 p.m. (This does not
include clinical times.) The night of the week remains the same throughout your program
to better accommodate the working RN's schedule.
6. How many students do you accept per year?
MSN cohorts do not have a limit on the number of accepted students; however, most
cohorts consist of 30 students.
7. Why should I pursue an advanced practice degree?
An advanced nursing degree will enhance career prospects, offer a wider range of employment
opportunities, increase salary potential, and give a competitive edge in the workforce.
8. How will this degree prepare me to better serve my patients?
Studies show master's prepared nurses are more likely to demonstrate professional
behaviors important to patient safety including better clinical judgment, problem
solving, performance of complex functions, effective communication, and early detection
of complications and problems in care. This directly impacts the success of patient
outcomes.
9. Can MSN students work and go to school?
Yes, the MSN program format is designed for students to work full time as Registered
Nurses while attending class one night per week.
10. Do you offer the program part-time or online?
Currently the program is only offered part time and we do not offer an online option.
11. Will I be required to complete a practicum (clinical rotation hours) as part of
the program?
Yes, the College of Nursing adheres to all clinical hour requirements for each MSN
specialty that requires clinical practicum hours as mandated by the California Board
of Registered Nurses (BRN).
12. When can I apply for certification?
The graduate student is eligible to apply for certification after successful completion
of MSN coursework in their chosen concentration, required clinical hours have been
completed, and any other criteria (such as work experience) deemed necessary by the
appropriate certification agency have been met.
13. Can I pursue a PhD or a DNP after I complete the MSN program?
Yes. MSN graduates are encouraged to apply to Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor
of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs to further their education. PhD programs prepare
nurses to lead and conduct research projects in the healthcare field while DNP programs
train nurses to utilize research evidence in practice. For more information on CBU's
DNP program, click here.
Application
1. What are the program entry dates?
The MSN program begins in the fall and spring semesters.
2. When is the application deadline?
The spring semester the priority application deadline is November 1 and the standard
deadline is December 1. The fall semester the priority application deadline is May
15 and the standard deadline is August 1.
3. Am I required to attend an information session?
We highly recommend you attend an information session as we discuss pertinent details of the program and clarify admission guidelines,
prerequisite courses, financial aid, etc.
4. Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required for admission.
5. Do I have to submit all admission documents at the same time?
Yes, you need to upload all of your documents to your application.
6. What is the minimum GPA?
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 your bachelor's
degree is also included in the calculation.
7. What if my GPA is below the minimum requirement?
To overcome a low GPA, you can take additional classes from an accredited university
or community college. We recommend you take classes that are relevant to nursing and
health science. Every additional grade that is posted to your transcript, regardless
of the subject, will be considered in the calculation of your final GPA.
8. What if I cannot get an academic reference because I graduated years ago?
In cases like this, whether it is due to length of time or perhaps you have lost contact
with a professor, we will accept an academic reference from someone who has delivered/facilitated
some type of workshop, seminar, or continued education/training courses.
9. 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.
Once all items are on file, an email will be sent within a couple of weeks.
10. When should I complete my health clearances?
Upon acceptance to the program, instructions will be given with details about health
clearances, background check, and drug screening.
Nursing Profession
1. What is the view on the current state of nursing?
According to the National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP),
registered nurses practice in a far more complex environment than in the past brought
about by continuing changes in delivery of health care, rapid advances in technology,
drug therapy, and equipment; increasing number of older adults with multiple chronic
conditions, and expanding diversity of the country's residents.
2. What are the future projections for nursing?
Barring significant changes in the flow of entrants into nursing, projections show
that the supply of RNs will decline within about 10 years and that, by 2020, the RN
workforce will be 20 percent below projected requirements. (NACNEP)
3. Is there a shortage of nurses?
Yes, one of the causes of the current shortage is an aging population of nurses. Recently,
the severe shortage of nurses prepared at the graduate level has received increased
attention and is often cited as being even more critical than the shortage of nurses
prepared at the baccalaureate or associate degree level.
4. How do graduate nursing programs address the nursing shortage?
The National Advisory Council on Nurse Education and Practice (NACNEP) promotes graduate
education as an avenue for acquiring the advanced knowledge necessary for specialized
nursing and health care, managing and directing nursing in the varied complex clinical
care settings, and educating the next generation of nursing students.
Financial Aid
1. How many units do I have to take to get financial aid?
At the graduate level, five (5) units are considered part-time and nine (9) units
are considered full-time for financial aid purposes.
2. 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.
3. 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
your electronic copy of your FAFSA.
4. 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
1. My bachelor's degree is from a foreign university. Do I have to get it evaluated?
You only need to have transcripts evaluated if they are not in English.
2. Which 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
3. 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 in the
program.
4. Where can I find more information about applying to CBU as an international student?
Please visit our website at www.calbaptist.edu/international.