Nurse Practitioner Programs at Cal State Fullerton
California State University’s School of Nursing at Fullerton ranks among the top 3% of best public nursing schools nationwide based on Nursing School Almanac’s 2022 rankings. The institution evolved from a department to achieve School of Nursing status in June 2010, showcasing its remarkable development. Today, it is the second largest nursing school in the California State University system with growing programs.
The school’s journey began with just four faculty members teaching 51 students. A decade later, the faculty expanded to 79 professors and lecturers who now serve 857 nursing majors. This represents an enrollment growth exceeding 1,200% since 1998. The expansion helps address California’s nursing shortage, which experts projected would reach 50,000 by 2015.
Students can choose from complete education pathways at multiple levels. The school offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs. BSN students have several options: Traditional BSN, Upper-Division Transfer BSN, LVN-BSN, Accelerated BSN, and RN-BSN. MSN specializations include Nurse Anesthetist, Nursing Leadership, Women’s Health Care, School Nursing, and Nurse Educator roles.
The DNP program equips advanced practice nurses with skills for complex clinical leadership and teaching positions in California’s educational institutions. Women’s Health Care specialists can become Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners or earn dual certification as both Nurse-Midwives and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioners.
The program’s graduates achieve exceptional career outcomes. Bachelor’s degree holders earn a median salary of $103,028, which is a big deal as it means that the national average of $74,888 for nursing graduates. Master’s degree graduates earn even more with a median salary of $193,133, surpassing the national median of $106,154.
To cite an instance, Spring 2010 saw 383 students applying for the Entry-Level BSN program, yet only 36 secured spots—a 9% acceptance rate. Traditional BSN pathway candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA before starting their nursing coursework.
The nurse practitioner school holds prestigious accreditations from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, California Board of Registered Nursing, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education, and California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Types of Nurse Practitioner Programs Available
CSU Fullerton provides focused nurse practitioner programs designed for healthcare professionals who want to advance their careers. These programs have earned prestigious accreditations from multiple organizations, including ACME, ACEN, and CCNE.
The Women’s Health Care concentration stands at the core of CSUF’s nurse practitioner offerings with two distinct paths. The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) program teaches you to deliver primary ambulatory health care to women at every life stage. WHNP graduates work side by side with physicians and other healthcare professionals in outpatient offices, hospitals, and community agencies.
Another option is the Nurse-Midwife/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner dual emphasis. This complete program gives you the skills to manage women’s health needs during pregnancy, intrapartum period, and initial newborn care. You’ll learn family planning, interconceptual care, and gynecologic health services through menopause. The program includes 59 semester units of graduate nursing coursework.
Students usually complete the program in 2 years of full-time study or 3 years with a part-time first year followed by full-time study. The WHNP program features:
- $17,640 in-state tuition
- 49 credits
- 24-month duration
- 0 GPA requirement
Students interested in doctoral studies can choose from Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) options in two tracks: Nurse Anesthesia and Post-Masters. These programs prepare advanced practice nurses to take on complex clinical leadership roles.
CSUF also offers specialized credential programs. These include the School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC) for those with a preliminary credential, and the Master of Science in Nursing with School Nursing Concentration for nurses who already hold a clear School Nurse Service Credential.
Clinical experiences are vital components of these programs. CSUF faculty help arrange placements throughout Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Students spend between 8 and 40 supervised clinical hours weekly to gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings.
Flexible Learning Formats
CSUF’s nursing programs offer different ways to learn that help professionals balance their careers and education. These programs combine flexible formats with academic excellence and shared learning spaces.
Working healthcare professionals can choose part-time study plans that fit their schedules. Nurses find this helpful when they want to advance their education while working.
The DNP Post-Master’s program combines classroom and online learning. Students attend classes on Fridays throughout their program. The schedule includes four on-campus Fridays each semester plus online Friday sessions and self-paced activities. Most students keep their full-time jobs while pursuing their doctorate, even with this demanding schedule.
CSUF’s online nursing courses follow high educational standards. Unlike other self-paced programs, California State University, Fullerton’s courses have a well-laid-out format with clear deadlines and participation requirements. You’ll move through your studies with your classmates and take part in meaningful discussions with them and your instructors.
Some programs need face-to-face components despite having online coursework. Clinical practicum hours happen in person with preceptors, usually in the final year. This hands-on training helps you build practical skills under expert supervision.
The School of Nursing keeps improving its teaching methods to make quality education available to more students. Through online, hybrid, and campus options, CSUF makes its nursing programs available to qualified candidates whatever their location or work schedule. The programs uphold the high standards expected in advanced practice nursing education.
Admissions & Prerequisites
Students who want to join Cal State Fullerton’s nurse practitioner programs should plan and prepare well ahead. The university accepts applications each year on October 1st exclusively for fall semester admission. February 1st marks the priority deadline. The school reviews later applications if spaces remain available until university admissions close.
You must submit two applications. The first goes through the CalState Apply portal, and the second goes directly to the School of Nursing. This approach will give a complete review of your application by both university admissions and the nursing department.
These simple eligibility criteria must be met:
- Your California RN license must be active and unrestricted with no disciplinary actions
- You need a Bachelor’s degree in nursing or related field from a regionally accredited institution
- Your GPA must be at least 3.0 in the last 60 semester units
The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Nurse-Midwifery/NP concentrations have specific experience requirements. WHNP candidates need at least one year of acute care nursing experience, preferably in OB/Gyn. Nurse-Midwifery/NP program candidates should have six months minimum in Labor and Delivery, though one year is better. All clinical experience must come from within the United States.
Each program has its own course prerequisites. MSN candidates usually need upper-division statistics with a “C” grade or higher. Students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees must complete an upper-division community health nursing course.
DNP programs have different requirements for direct and indirect care tracks. Direct care candidates (usually NPs) should have master’s-level courses in advanced physical assessment, pathophysiology, and pharmacology. Indirect care candidates (nursing leaders/educators) need a Master’s in Nursing Leadership, Administration, Education, or Community Health.
Accepted students must meet additional requirements like background checks, medical clearance, and immunization documentation. Students must maintain a “B” (3.0) or better in most courses, though some courses allow a “C” (2.0) minimum.
What Sets the NP Programs Apart at California State University, Fullerton
CSU Fullerton’s nurse practitioner programs stand out with several unique qualities. The excellent faculty-to-student ratio gives students personal attention throughout their academic experience. Faculty members who run active clinical practices bring ground expertise to classroom discussions and clinical supervision.
The Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program excels with its focus on evidence-based practice and cultural competence. Students learn technical skills and develop critical thinking abilities they need to handle complex healthcare scenarios. This integrated approach helps graduates perform well in certification exams and professional practice.
CSUF has built strong community partnerships that create unique clinical placement opportunities in Southern California. These connections help students build valuable networks that often result in job offers after graduation. Many clinical facilities actively seek CSUF graduates because of their proven track record.
Simulation technology integrated throughout the curriculum gives students another advantage. They can practice advanced assessment techniques and clinical decision-making with high-fidelity patient simulators before working with real patients.
These programs stand out because of their steadfast dedication to developing nurse practitioners who deliver excellent clinical care with compassion. CSUF graduates are healthcare professionals ready to serve California’s communities through advanced nursing practice.