Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Nursing Video

Nursing, RN to BSN Concentration, BS



Admittance into this degree offered by The Valley Foundation School of Nursing  requires an Associate in Science degree in Nursing and passage of the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) the licensing examination for nurses in the United States.

Admission occurs every Spring and Fall semester. The RN to BSN program can be completed in 3 semesters of full-time study.

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 3-6
Community College Lower Division Coursework 70
External Exam Credit (NCLEX - RN Exam) 20
Major Requirements 24
University Electives 3-6
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 1.5-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). 

Major-Specific Graduation Requirements

All courses required in the major require a grade of “C” or better or “Credit” (see admission impaction supplemental criteria for exceptions ). In addition, students must pass background and drug clearances. Policies are posted on The Valley Foundation School of Nursing website.

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment, and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education


Of the 39 units required by the university, 39 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3, B4, or F must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with a a major advisor for details.

Upper Division General Education (3-6 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 3-6 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with the major advisor for details. Of the 9 units, the following 3-6 units are not satisfied in the major. 

  • Area R  3 unit(s) (Starting in Fall 2022, this course may be satisfied in the major) 
  • Area V   3 unit(s)

American Institutions


The 6 units of American Institutions (US123)  requirement may be satisfied in the major (if identified below) or by transfer from a community college or university. Other courses meet the American Institutions requirement, but may not include additional GE areas. The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ) programs both offer larger integrated packages that meet this requirement.

Consult major advisor for department recommended coursework to meet GE requirement.

Physical Education


The Physical Education Requirement  (2 units) is recommended to be completed before transferring from a community college or any university. All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement


Those students starting in the Nursing BS in Fall 2020 (Writing Skills Test waived for fall 2020) must only pass NURS 100WE  course. A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) . This requirement is fulfilled in the major requirements with NURS 100WE - Evidence Based Practice Writing Workshop 

Major Preparation (90 units)


Community College Lower Division Coursework (70 units)


Community College lower division coursework necessary for Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

External Exam Credit (20 units)


NCLEX - RN examination

Students admitted to the program will receive 20 units of credit for passage of the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nurses.

University Electives (3 units)


Total Units Required (120 units)


Students may complete NURS 148AI  instead of NURS 177A .