Nursing, B.S.

Program Overview

Are you endlessly curious about the human body and what fosters its potential for health and healing? Do you have a desire to compassionately care for others in the midst of their pain and weakness? If so, you should consider a career in nursing. Earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from PLNU will allow you to combine your passion for healthcare with your longing for meaningful and even sacred work.

PLNU’s School of Nursing (SON) is highly respected in the San Diego community, so our graduates are highly sought after. The education you'll receive from this rigorous program balances a focus on the human and spiritual aspects of nursing, as well as the physical and technical skills necessary to faithfully serve patients.

From your first semester, you'll work with patients using cutting-edge technology in a variety of clinical settings, providing you with nearly 900 hours of hands-on clinical experience — an advantage unique to PLNU. Our nursing program is also set apart by the genuine care shown by our committed faculty. 

Your professors will know you personally and hold you accountable in both your studies and in learning a healthy work-life balance that so often eludes professional nurses. Finally, you'll benefit from a faith-based curriculum, an emphasis on servant leadership, and the lifelong support of our SON community.

Early Entry into Graduate Studies 

If you know you want to pursue a post-undergraduate nursing degree, you can enter our Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) track. In either of these programs, you will earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing, be fully prepared to take the NCLEX, and step into our DNP with FNP certification program at an accelerated pace – faster than pursuing the degrees separately. 

Begin MSN and DNP level coursework before the end of your senior year. Students who complete the program are eligible to sit for the national Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP exam following graduation) or the CNS National Certification exam.

Licensures and Professional Certifications:

This program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing and meets the requirements for licensure or certification in the state of California, where Point Loma Nazarene University is physically located. PLNU cannot confirm whether or not specific programs meet out-of-state requirements for Professional Licensure or Certification. Information about out-of-state requirements in nursing is available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing website.

Rose McCracken headshot

Student Profile

Rose McCracken

Caring for others’ needs has always been natural for Rose (McCracken) Johnson (10). As a nursing major at PLNU, she was encouraged and prepared for her calling and career as an RN.

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The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master's degree program in nursing and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Point Loma Nazarene University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

This program will prepare you for success as a nurse: our Nursing B.S. class of 2023 had an NCLEX-RN pass rate of 98.3%.

Course List

For information about the courses required for the Nursing, B.S. program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

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Application Info

High School Students

High school students interested in PLNU's nursing program only need to fill out the PLNU undergrad application in order to be considered for admission into our nursing (first-year direct entry) program. Students are required to apply Early Action (November 15 deadline) to be considered for nursing.

Please fill out only the general PLNU Undergraduate Application if you are a:

  • Current high school student.
  • High school graduate who has taken some college units/credits while in high school.
  • High school graduate who has taken zero college units/credits after graduation.

Transfer Students

Transfer students at PLNU are any students who have taken college units after high school graduation. 

Eligibility
 

Transfer Nursing Applicants: PLNU is NOT accepting applications into our three-year BSN or LVN to BSN Programs for the 2024-25 academic year.

Please Note: The nursing major has a limited number of spaces. Transfer students must complete all prerequisites for the major prior to applying for the BSN program and will not have priority when they apply. 

Nursing majors at PLNU and prospective students are eligible to be considered for the PLNU nursing major when the following conditions have been met:

  1. Submission of a SON application for the nursing program. Application forms are typically available online in late fall and are due in early spring. 
  2. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a four-point scale.
  3. Completion of the following prerequisites (or equivalents) with a minimum grade of C (2.0) in each one. A student may be considered with a repeat of one prerequisite course. No online courses will be accepted as prerequisites required for the nursing program.
  4. Transfer students must have completed all of the below prerequisites courses before their application to PLNU. Students in their semester of completion while applying will not be considered for admission.

Prerequisites

  • Inorganic and organic biological chemistry or organic chemistry (4 or 5 semester units with labs)
  • Human anatomy and physiology (8 semester units with labs)
  • General psychology or personal identity (3 or 4 semester units)
  • College-level algebra (determined by PLNU math placement test)
  • Microbiology (4 semester units with lab)

Transfer students, please search the transfer agreements database for the transfer agreement for your school.

Explore the Transfer Agreement Database

Please review the community college articulation agreements if you are interested in satisfying prerequisites through a community college in the San Diego area.

PLEASE NOTE: Per agreement with the San Diego Nursing Service Education Consortium and affiliated hospitals, a background check, and urine drug screening will be required. Please view our Background Check — Urine Drug Screen Policy below.

Selection
 

Eligible students are selected for admission to the nursing program by the SON Selection Committee. Spaces in nursing courses are limited.

  1. Priority consideration will be given to PLNU pre-nursing applicants who: a) have completed all prerequisite courses by the end of the spring semester preceding the fall entry date; b) have completed at least 15 semester units and two semesters at PLNU; c) have completed the BSN application process prior to February 1, preceding the fall entry date.
  2. Secondary consideration will be given to transfer applicants who: a) have completed all prerequisite courses prior to turning in the BSN application; b) have completed the application process prior to February 1, preceding the fall entry date.
  3. Selection is made on basis of cumulative GPA and strength of complete application. A point system is not used.
  4. The selection committee will meet to finalize the selection process after all spring grades have been received and all students will be notified by mid-June.
  5. An interview may be requested.

LVN to BSN Advanced Placement Policy

Health Status
 

Once accepted into the BSN program, students must provide evidence that they are physically and emotionally able to perform the duties required. A physical examination by a healthcare provider with information completed on a form provided by the SON is necessary. The examination includes current immunizations and tests as required by the SON.

CPR
 

Once accepted into the BSN program, students must provide evidence of a current American Heart Association "BLS for Healthcare Providers" card. Cards from the Red Cross ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Background Check — Urine Drug Screen Policy 


For the past several years there has been at least one student who has been dismissed from the program because of a dilute urine sample. This can happen easily if you are accustomed to drinking a lot of water. Drinking excess fluid is normal when you are preparing to participate in an athletic event or working outside, but this also may cause a dilute urine sample. It can also happen because of drinking too much coffee or tea (caffeine) in the morning prior to going in for a drug screen. This is a serious matter and is not taken lightly by the School of Nursing. Because we abide by the hospital standards and there are hospitals that will not accept an American Data Bank report flag caused by a dilute we must dismiss the student. In some cases, we're able to readmit a year later (five-year student), and in other cases, this will be a non-negotiable final dismissal from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

A flag is something that has been identified as needing attention. The flag can occur with the background check or with the urine for drug screening.

Per agreement with the San Diego Nursing Service Education Consortium and affiliated hospitals, a background check, and drug screening will be required prior to your first clinical experience and within one year of your clinical rotation at Rady’s Children’s Hospital. If a flag occurs from either your background check or drug screening, this will result in immediate dismissal from the Point Loma Nazarene University Bachelor of Science in Nursing clinical courses. (Per the Board of Registered Nursing Code CCR 1426 (d) Didactic and Clinical courses must be completed simultaneously for successful completion of any course.)

Dilute urine means there is too much water in the urine causing the test to be inconclusive. If you drink too much water before going for your drug screening, the result may be a dilute reading. If you receive a dilute, it will flag your American Data Bank Drug Screen Report.

We recommend no liquids after midnight until you have submitted your a.m. urine specimen. If you are concerned that your urine may be diluted flush that specimen and reschedule your drug screen appointment. (Note that urine is normally yellow in color. If the color is not obviously yellow it may be diluted.)

If you have questions please contact nursing@pointloma.edu.

Current PLNU Students

Pre-nursing majors at PLNU are eligible to be considered for the PLNU nursing major when the following conditions have been met:

  1. Submission of a SON application for the nursing program. Application forms are typically available online in late fall and are due in early spring.
  2. Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a four-point scale.
  3. Completion of the following prerequisites (or equivalents) with a minimum grade of C (2.0) in each one. A student may be considered with a repeat of one prerequisite course. No online courses will be accepted as prerequisites required for the nursing program.

Please Note: The nursing major has a limited number of spaces.

Prerequisites

  • Inorganic and organic biological chemistry or organic chemistry (4 or 5 semester units with labs)
  • Human anatomy and physiology (8 semester units with labs)
  • General psychology or personal identity (3 or 4 semester units)
  • NSG150 — Caring Faithfully: An Introduction to Nursing (2 units) with a minimum grade of "B"
  • College-level algebra (determined by PLNU math placement test)

PLEASE NOTE: Per agreement with the San Diego Nursing Service Education Consortium and affiliated hospitals, a background check and urine drug screening will be required. Please view our Background Check — Urine Drug Screen Policy below.

Selection
 

Eligible students are selected for admission to the nursing program by the SON Selection Committee. Spaces in nursing courses are limited.

  1. Priority consideration will be given to PLNU pre-nursing applicants who: a) have completed all prerequisite courses by the end of the spring semester preceding the fall entry date; b) have completed at least 15 semester units and two semesters at PLNU; c) have completed the BSN application process prior to February 1, preceding the fall entry date.
  2. Secondary consideration will be given to transfer applicants who: a) have completed all prerequisite courses prior to turning in the BSN application; b) have completed the application process prior to February 1, preceding the fall entry date.
  3. Selection is made on basis of cumulative GPA and strength of complete application. A point system is not used.
  4. The selection committee will meet to finalize the selection process after all spring grades have been received and all students will be notified by mid-June.
  5. An interview may be requested.

LVN to BSN Advanced Placement Policy

Health Status
 

Once accepted into the BSN program, students must provide evidence that they are physically and emotionally able to perform the duties required. A physical examination by a healthcare provider with information completed on a form provided by the SON is necessary. The examination includes current immunizations and tests as required by the SON.

CPR
 

Once accepted into the BSN program, students must provide evidence of a current American Heart Association "BLS for Healthcare Providers" card. Cards from the Red Cross ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Background Check — Urine Drug Screen Policy 


For the past several years there has been at least one student who has been dismissed from the program because of a dilute urine sample. This can happen easily if you are accustomed to drinking a lot of water. Drinking excess fluid is normal when you are preparing to participate in an athletic event or working outside, but this also may cause a dilute urine sample. It can also happen because of drinking too much coffee or tea (caffeine) in the morning prior to going in for a drug screen. This is a serious matter and is not taken lightly by the School of Nursing. Because we abide by the hospital standards and there are hospitals that will not accept an American Data Bank report flag caused by a dilute we must dismiss the student. In some cases, we are able to readmit a year later (five-year student), and in other cases, this will be a non-negotiable final dismissal from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

A flag is something that has been identified as needing attention. The flag can occur with the background check or with the urine for drug screening.

Per agreement with the San Diego Nursing Service Education Consortium and affiliated hospitals, a background check, and drug screening will be required prior to your first clinical experience, and within one year of your clinical rotation at Rady’s Children’s Hospital. If a flag occurs from either your background check or drug screening, this will result in immediate dismissal from the Point Loma Nazarene University Bachelor of Science in Nursing clinical courses. (Per the Board of Registered Nursing Code CCR 1426 (d) Didactic and Clinical courses must be completed simultaneously for successful completion of any course.)

Dilute urine means there is too much water in the urine causing the test to be inconclusive. If you drink too much water before going for your drug screening, the result may be a dilute reading. If you receive a dilute, it will flag your American Data Bank Drug Screen Report.

We recommend no liquids after midnight until you have submitted your a.m. urine specimen. If you are concerned that your urine may be diluted flush that specimen and reschedule your drug screen appointment. (Note that urine is normally yellow in color. If the color is not obviously yellow it may be diluted.)

If you have questions please contact nursing@pointloma.edu.

BSN Requirements
 

As part of the selection process for the BSN program at PLNU, first-year students are screened both by PLNU admissions and the School of Nursing. Research has shown success in this demanding nursing major requires you to be highly motivated, have well-developed critical thinking skills, do well in math and science, and be service-oriented.

Challenge/Advanced Placement for Military-Trained Healthcare Personnel Policy

Student Support

For most students, the transition into college life is one full of adjustments. There is the excitement of newfound freedoms, but also some uncertainty as you begin to make choices and take responsibility for your own future. 

At PLNU, we’re committed to supporting you — academically, professionally, spiritually, personally — so that you may be successful both in your time as a student and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Student Support

Career Opportunities

Point Loma Nazarene University’s nursing program is the starting point for your journey into the nursing field. Students who graduate with a degree in nursing from PLNU go on to work at renowned hospitals and with innovative healthcare providers such as Sharp Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Rady Children’s Hospital, Scripps Health, and the UC San Diego Health System (to name a few).

Not to mention, 70% of PLNU nursing alumni are working in a field related to their program of study. So when you choose to study nursing at PLNU, you can rest assured knowing you’re attending the No. 1 nursing school in San Diego County according to Niche’s rankings of the 2021 Best Colleges for Nursing in the San Diego Area.

At PLNU, our School of Nursing centers on two fundamental elements of nursing:

  • The human and spiritual aspects of nursing. 
  • The physical and technical skills necessary to faithfully serve patients.

Job outlook for nursing careers

Nursing positions are in high demand. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, “the registered nursing workforce is projected to grow from 3 million in 2019 to 3.3 million in 2029, an increase of 221,900 or 7%.” This is faster than the average for all occupations.

What can you do with a nursing degree?

Some of the positions our graduates currently hold include:

Registered Nurse (RN)

2020 Median annual salary: $80,010
In addition to the B.S. degree, registered nurses must complete the NCLEX-RN exam. Upon successful completion of both graduation and the NCLEX-RN exam, one is able to enter the field. Registered nurses are responsible for providing medical support to patients and doctors. They work very closely with fellow RNs to divide the duties of completing healthcare assessments, administering medications, and providing catered attention to each patient.

Necessary attributes and skills:

  • Sympathetic, non-judgemental
  • Organization
  • Communication 
  • Patience
  • Stamina/Strength
  • Operating medical equipment
  • Giving diagnostic tests