Program Overview

Accelerated Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing

The Accelerated Entry Level Master of Science in Nursing (ELMA) program is designed for individuals who possess a non-nursing bachelor's degree and are seeking to enter the nursing profession. This two-year, full-time, cohort-based program, which includes summer sessions, prepares students to become eligible for the national RN licensing exam (NCLEX-RN) after completion of one and a half years of study. The program culminates with a nursing applied research course or a master's thesis, and graduates will earn both a BSN and MSN degree. The cost of the program is $700.00 per unit for the 97-unit program.

Emphases/Specialty Areas

The program offers several emphases and specialty areas, including:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS): This emphasis prepares students for CNS certification by the California Board of Registered Nursing and the American Nurse Credentialing Center. The CNS is an advanced practice nurse holding a master's degree with an emphasis in a specific area of clinical nursing. Specialty areas include adult, women's health, and pediatrics.
• Nursing Administration: This emphasis enables students to combine the nursing perspective and principles of business to become effective and successful managers and administrators. Elective courses are taken through the SF State College of Business upon advice and approval of an academic advisor.
• Public/Community Health: Students who complete this emphasis are prepared to assume nursing roles in a variety of care settings, including public health, home health, and schools. Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, students become eligible for Public Health Nurse certification in California.
• One Year FNP Certificate Option for Accelerated Entry Level MSN Graduates: Students who complete the SF State Accelerated Entry Level MSN program become eligible to pursue the FNP Certificate option after attaining one year of RN clinical experience. The One Year FNP Certificate option is offered jointly by the School of Nursing and College of Professional & Global Education and comprises five additional courses that prepare students for both California NP certification and national board certification.

Eligibility Requirements and Prerequisite Information

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Be a California resident or be eligible for in-state tuition
• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or above in the last 60 semester units earned
• Provide evidence of health-related work or volunteer experience
• Submit a personal statement
• Submit three letters of recommendation
• Complete all prerequisite courses, including:
  • Human Anatomy with Lab
  • Human Physiology with Lab
  • Survey of Chemistry with Lab
  • General Microbiology with Lab
  • Statistics

Courses Required for RN Licensure in California

The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requires pre-licensure students to have completed a minimum of 16 semester units comprising natural sciences, behavioral, and social sciences. To complement the anatomy, physiology, and microbiology natural science prerequisites, it is highly recommended that students complete a general psychology or developmental psychology course prior to taking NURS 328 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Theory and Practicum, and any additional behavioral or social science course as needed to fulfill the BRN's natural, behavioral, and social science unit requirement.

Application Period

The application period for the program is:

• Cal State Apply Application Period: August 1 - August 31
• NursingCas Application Period: August 1 - September 1, 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time

Application Process

To apply to the program, applicants must:

• Submit an application to San Francisco State University via Cal State Apply
• Submit a supplemental application to the School of Nursing via NursingCAS, including:
  • A personal statement
  • Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended
  • Three references (letter and reference form), with at least one addressing health-related work or volunteer experience