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 actively sought after. The education you will 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 will be working with patients using cutting-edge technology in a variety of clinical settings, providing you with over 1,100 clinical hours by graduation day — 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 alludes professional nurses. Finally, you will benefit from a faith-based curriculum, an emphasis on servant leadership, and the lifelong support of our SON community.
PLNU cannot confirm whether California's licensures, credentials, and other professional certifications are accepted in other states.
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. She graduated from PLNU in 2010 with her B.S. in Nursing and is currently an RN at Loma Linda University Medical Center - Murrieta on the medical-surgical oncology floor. Read more
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master's degree program in nursing at Point Loma Nazarene University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Are you ready to take the next step to begin your PLNU journey? Whether you’re a high school senior, college transfer student, or international student, find out what we’re looking for in our applicants and how you can apply.
LVN’s who are licensed in California may be eligible to be considered for direct transfer of course credit and/or credit by examination. The principle objective is for the Advanced Placement student to graduate with knowledge and skills equivalent to the generic graduate of the nursing program, without unnecessary repetition of courses or course work. Students who desire advanced placement will receive individual counseling to determine eligibility and to facilitate their progress. The LVN-to-BSN program will take 2.5 years to complete.
Evidence of good health. Physical exam must be completed within six months prior to entering clinical nursing courses. Form is available in the Nursing Office upon acceptance to the program.
One (1) year recent experience in acute care setting.
Throughout the curriculum (whether Pre-Nursing or Nursing) students may repeat only one prerequisite or one Nursing course or one prerequisite to a specific nursing course. With the need for a second repeat of any pre-requisite of Nursing course or prerequisite to a specific nursing course, the student will be dismissed from the nursing program. If there are two repeats of prerequisite courses in Pre-Nursing, the student will not be eligible for application to the nursing major.
Completion of prerequisite courses needed prior to entering subsequent nursing courses (as designated on the curriculum outline) with a minimum grade of “C” (2.00).
Evaluation of clinical performance may be required from Supervisor of applicant.
Applicant must have at least 1 year recent experience in acute care setting.
Advanced Placements Students must:
The nursing program has an LVN 30 Unit Option. This option will take four consecutive semesters to complete. This non-degree track is separate from the Bachelor of Science Degree program, but does allow the LVN to complete the option courses and take the California State RN license examination. Information is available upon request from the School of Nursing.
Admission is on a space-available basis.
Per agreement with the San Diego Nursing Service Education Consortium and affiliated hospitals, a background check and drug screen will be required prior to your first clinical experience. If a flag occurs from either your background check or drug screening, it will result in immediate dismissal from the Point Loma Nazarene University BSN program. You will be given further information and directions to complete upon acceptance to the BSN program.
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.
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.
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.
The versatile set of skills you’ll develop by pursuing a degree in nursing from PLNU prepares you for nursing in a variety of settings. PLNU nursing alumni have held various positions in hospitals, K-12 schools, clinics, medical missions, and public health institutions. PLNU cultivates passion, professionalism, and a values-driven approach to work in a context that intersects your intellect and faith and equips you to become a purposeful and trustworthy leader in your workplace.
Lieutenant Eugene Mamaril, NC, USN, graduated from PLNU with his B.S. in Nursing in 2010. He has since earned his M.S. in Nursing from Duke University and is currently working toward his Ph.D. from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Read more
Annie Gerhart: Living and Working with an Open Heart
PLNU’s Annie Gerhart (83) and her meaningful and rich career as a nurse.
Read More in the Viewpoint Online Magazine
