This BSN program is for students brand new to nursing, who do not have an RN license. LVN students can apply to this program. Admission is highly competitive. Priority goes to current Cal State East Bay students, local admission area transfer students, and military. The earliest you can apply is during your second or third year of college (not first year students).
MILITARY CANDIDATES or transfer students from another Nursing program - See Credit for Previous Education / Experience
Information below relates to the fall 2025/spring 2025 admission cycles only. Criteria for future admission cycles may change.
TEAS Exams are not being offered on the Cal State East Bay campus until further notice.
****Print this Application Checklist to help you keep track of requirements and due dates.**
Read the Pre-Licensure Admission Brochure.
Attend a virtual Information Session, offered monthly.
Complete a Self-Evaluation to see if you are ready to apply.
Find out the Cost of the Nursing Program (same tuition and fees as the university).
All final prerequisite grades and official transcripts must be received by JANUARY 31 (after the fall nursing application is submitted). Prerequisite courses are not considered for fall admission if still in progress after January 31 or proof of final grades on official transcripts are not received by January 31.
Science prerequisites must be within seven years at time of application.
All final prerequisite grades and official transcripts must be received by AUGUST 31 (when the spring nursing application is submitted). Prerequisite courses are not considered for spring admission if still in progress after August 31 or proof of final grades on official transcripts are not received by August 31.
Science prerequisites must be within seven years at time of application.
All prerequisite courses must have a "C" or better. A "C" or "C+" grade (or better) is acceptable, as long as the 3.00 minimum GPA requirement is still met. A "C-" grade, however, is too low, and is not acceptable.
IF YOU MEET 3.00 GPA / PREREQUISITE REQUIREMENTS
Submit TWO applications:
1. Cal State East Bay Nursing BS University Application through Cal State Apply (if a transfer student). Do this well ahead of the deadline.
2. Cal State East Bay NURSING Program Application through NursingCAS
Submit Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores with the nursing application. Have an official TEAS transcript sent from ATI Testing to Cal State East Bay.
TO REMAIN ELIGIBLE:
Minimum 70% overall score required for TEAS -and-
Minimum 65% required for English and Reading sections
Students admitted BY CAMPUS.
Fall Admission = Hayward Campus
Spring Admission = Concord Center
To find out more about the Nursing application process, please join us at one of our monthly information sessions. Nursing Pre-Admission Advisors are available at these sessions and we allow time for individual questions. The sessions typically last 1-2 hours.
The Cal State East Bay Pre-Licensure Program is a full-time, day-time program that can be completed in two and one half years (five terms). Lecture courses are in-person or hybrid. Clinical courses are in-person at participating local hospitals or community partner organizations. Community Engagement courses are in local neighborhoods.
Information below relates to the current admission cycle. Criteria and categories for future admission cycles may change.
Priority lists, point scales and individual point totals are kept confidential within the department.
Cal State East Bay Nursing gives priority admission to the following three applicant groups, all considered equally:
Applicants who are not in one of these three priority groups are not likely to be admitted due to the high volume of applications.
REQUIRED CATEGORIES
After sorting applicants into priority groups, these three required categories are most important in our admission decisions
OPTIONAL CATEGORIES
Candidates offered admission generally have at least one of these point categories in addition to competitive GPA/TEAS.
If you are in a priority student group with high GPA/TEAS, but do not have at least one of the optional point categories, you probably won't be admitted due to the high number of applicants and the competitive process.
Once an applicant is identified as a priority applicant, here’s what happens next.
SPRING Nursing Filing Period: AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 31
Submit applications approximately a year in advance of when you want to begin the program.
Directions below provide additional detail about each separate application.
Transfer students must select Nursing as their major and additionally select an alternate major.
See University Admission Deadlines for fall and spring admission.
You must activate your NetID (for transfer students) or have a NetID already (if current student) in order to submit a nursing application. Plan ahead so you still meet the nursing application deadline!
The university application is evaluated separately by the Cal State East Bay Admissions Office. Follow university deadlines for admission requirements. The university will notify you of university admission status after the Nursing Program evaluates and makes its decision.
Candidates who are currently attending Cal State East Bay need not complete an application for university admission UNLESS they will graduate in another major before the term when they would BEGIN the Nursing Program. For example, if applying for Fall 2024 admission, Cal State East Bay students must fill out a Cal State East Bay university application if they will graduate Fall 2023, Spring 2024 or Summer 2024.
FALL Application Filing Period October 1 - December 15
SPRING Application Filing Period August 1 - August 31
CLOSES 8:59 p.m. Pacific Time
The nursing application won't go through without your university assigned NetID (student ID # with two letters and four numbers).
It takes 24-48 hours to receive your NetID after you apply to the university, so make sure to submit the university application early!
To find the SPRING nursing application after August 15, go to the NursingCAS apply page and select the term you are applying for. Login on the page that opens up next.
*The nursing application is NOT for first year college students - one to two years of college-level coursework is required before applying - see prerequisites.*
*The nursing application may take several hours to complete AND if a transfer student, it requires a successfully submitted university application and activated NetID as a prior step - please plan ahead.*
Some personal email accounts have filtered our Nursing Department emails into Spam folders. Please check your Spam folder regularly during the application process. We send important updates and reminders via email through the NursingCAS system and Cal State East Bay email system and we do not want you to miss these. Emails may also include offers of admission. Thank you!!
To be eligible for admission, you must have a 3.00 average prerequisite GPA in the following:
A competitive GPA is 3.60 for all eight prerequisites combined. If you have anywhere between a 3.60 - 4.00 prerequisite GPA, you will earn maximum points for this category.
Cal State East Bay Nursing applies +/- grades in Nursing Prerequisite GPA calculations.
All prerequisite courses are listed above with the Cal State East Bay name and course number.
If you are a Cal State East Bay student, follow the Nursing Degree Roadmap for a suggested prerequisite course sequence and list of associated classes.
Candidates can check on TES for course equivalencies nationwide .
Beginning spring 2020 term, Cal State East Bay Nursing will accept an online lab for a science prerequisite, as long as it is an approved science and lab course.
The Nursing Department highly recommends completing these two additional classes before starting the Nursing program. They provide relevant background knowledge and a strong foundation for first-year Nursing courses, and are also Nursing major requirements. It is not necessary to complete them before submitting a Nursing application.
Class #1
General Psychology / Introduction to Psychology (Psyc 100)
(Lifespan Psychology does not count for this requirement)
Class #2 - Choose only one from this list
Introduction to Anthropology (Anth 100) OR
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (Anth 130) OR
Introduction to Sociology (Soc 100)
SCIENCE PREREQUISITES HAVE A RECENCY REQUIREMENT OF SEVEN YEARS FROM THE DATE OF APPLICATION. Check if your science course meets recency requirements.
*Due to COVID-19 related cancellation of spring 2021/fall 2021 admission cycles, we extended the recency requirement for one additional year for spring 2022/fall 2022 admission cycles only.
CONFIRM YOUR PREREQUISITES AND GPA with a Self-Evaluation form.
All prerequisite courses taken at campuses other than Cal State East Bay must be approved as equivalent. Candidates can check on TES for course equivalencies nationwide . Another resource is www.assist.org to check for equivalencies at California public colleges and universities.
Email nursing@csueastbay.edu for information on prerequisites that do not appear on either of the listed equivalency websites.
If you complete a combined "Anatomy & Physiology I" course, you must take PART II from the same campus. If you take a single-topic "Anatomy" course at any campus, you may take a single-topic "Physiology" course from any other campus.
The critical thinking prerequisite can only be satisfied by a specific logic-based class, with reference to inductive/deductive reasoning and/or evaluation of fallacies.
A higher level math course, such as Calculus or Trigonometry, CANNOT substitute for the statistics prerequisite.
Complete a separate course for each requirement - there is no "double-counting" requirements such as taking one class to meet both English composition and critical thinking.
Prerequisite courses that overlap with GE requirements are not waived for second bachelor degree candidates.
ONE non-science prerequisite may be taken credit/no credit. All science prerequisites must be taken for a letter grade.
During the timeframe of COVID-19, some exceptions apply. Cal State East Bay Nursing strongly recommends a letter grade for nursing prerequisites, especially the science courses. Our program will still accept CR (credit) on a transcript for a prerequisite course taken during spring 2020 or summer 2020. Courses taken for CR (credit) during fall 2020, spring 2021 or summer 2021 will be evaluated case-by-case. A class with a CR grade will not be included in the prerequisite GPA calculation.
Our office will accept an AP Exam score of 3 or higher to meet the requirements for the following courses, as shown in table below:
| Nursing course | AP Exam equivalent |
|---|---|
| English composition (prerequisite) | English Language or English Literature |
| Statistics (prerequisite) | Statistics |
| General Psychology (major requirement) | Psychology |
An approved AP Exam score will not be factored into the prerequisite or major GPA formula. To meet Nursing program application guidelines, send an official AP Exam score report to Cal State East Bay Admissions and upload an unofficial copy to NursingCAS as proof of the score by JANUARY 31 (for fall admission) or AUGUST 31 (for spring Admission). If a student earns AP credit for English and/or Statistics, that student may NOT take any additional non-science prerequisites for credit/no credit.
SPRING ADMISSION - DUE AUGUST 31 TO NursingCAS
ALSO. IMPORTANT REMINDERS
SPRING ADMISSION - DUE AUGUST 31 - SEND TO CA State East Bay (via ATI)
Cal State East Bay will accept an online or remote version of the TEAS exam to meet our admission criteria.
Cal State East Bay requires ALL of the following minimum scores to qualify:
A competitive overall TEAS score is 80%. If you meet minimum subsection scores and earn anywhere between 80% - 100% for overall TEAS score, you will earn maximum points for this category.
Our program limits consideration of TEAS scores to the first three attempts, ANY version . The highest overall score will be considered.
Cal State East Bay does not enforce a minimum time requirement between repeated TEAS tests. If an applicant decides to take the TEAS again to raise a score, we encourage enough time between tests to study and improve, and do not encourage rushing to take the test again to meet a deadline.
The Nursing Program automatically receives all official scores of TEAS tests taken at Cal State East Bay, from any year.
If the TEAS test is taken elsewhere or is a remote version, order and send an official score report from ATI Testing (requires a fee). A photocopy or printout of test scores, or a scanned test score document uploaded to NursingCAS is not official.
If approved again, the Testing Office at Cal State East Bay offers the ATI TEAS exam every month. Currently, no TEAS exams are being offered.
Study guides are available at the online store on the ATI website.
These tests are for students that have not attended schools where English is the principal language of instruction. Check to see whether this English proficiency test is required for university admission, or if you do not need to take it.
If Cal State East Bay Office of Admissions requires TOEFL or IELTS as an entry requirement as proof of English Language Proficiency, the Nursing program will also review an applicant's TOEFL or IELTS score. If the university does not require them, the Nursing program does not require them.
Either score must be within two years from the time of nursing application to be considered.
If a candidate meets TEAS exam minimum scores and minimum GPA requirements, but gets lower than TOEFL or IELTS minimum scores, the candidate is not eligible for admission to the Nursing program.
Cal State East Bay Nursing has the following minimum TOEFL score to qualify, only if the university already requires the exam:
Cal State East Bay Nursing has the following minimum IELTS score to qualify, only if the university already requires the exam:
SPRING ADMISSION - DUE AUGUST 31 - UPLOAD TO NursingCAS
All applicants are required to answer all questions on the form below and upload to the NursingCAS system once the application cycle opens. There is a 300 word maximum response allowed for each question. The application will be incomplete without the Personal Statement.
Once the nursing application is officially submitted, you cannot edit or update your personal statement, even if the application deadline is extended.
Personal statements are reviewed for depth and relevance of responses to each of the questions, maximum word count, and consideration of grammar/writing skill.
DOWNLOAD and SAVE to your computer (Word Document).
The personal statement questions will focus on themes listed below. The form is available June 1 - January 31. When the form is available, it will show as an active link above.
SPRING ADMISSION - DUE AUGUST 31 - UPLOAD TO NursingCAS
We strongly encourage applicants to explore life experiences beyond the academic setting. Listed below is one category that may earn additional nursing application points. Submit all forms and documents to NursingCAS only.
Listed below are instructions for the current admission cycle. Check back for updates related to future admission cycles.
You may qualify for additional admission points if you have an experience that contributes to the health or wellness of your community. This category carries the greatest weight on the nursing application in comparison to the other optional point categories.
Submit BOTH to NursingCAS by deadline:
Check your documents after uploading to NursingCAS to ensure they uploaded properly.
Examples of community-related experiences: volunteer at library, school, food bank, shelter, food pantry/soup kitchen, grassroots community organization, civic organization such as city youth commission, WIC, place of worship, tutoring, participating in a park/beach clean-up, K-12 teachers, veterinary clinic tech/staff
Examples of health-related experiences: patient greeter, shadow healthcare professionals, hospital front desk, family support/navigator, patient transporter, international relief organizations, administrative role in healthcare organization, afterschool childcare program, childcare provider / nanny, swim lesson instructor, translation services, Health Educator, American Red Cross volunteer, Hospice, clinical hours from healthcare-related programs listed here or employment as CNA, EMT, LVN, Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Chiropractic Assistant, Phlebotomist, Physical Therapist, Massage Therapist, Speech Therapist, Social Worker, Caregiver
Health and Community Related Experience Forms and associated letters can be accepted up to one year only from date of first submission (if re-applying).
*Due to COVID-19 related cancellation of spring 2021/fall 2021 admission cycles, we extended the three year time limit for one additional year, for the spring 2022/fall 2022 admission cycles only.
SPRING ADMISSION - DUE AUGUST 31 - UPLOAD TO NursingCAS
We strongly encourage applicants to explore life experiences beyond the academic setting. Listed below is one category that may earn additional nursing application points. Submit all forms and documents to NursingCAS only. Check your documents after uploading to NursingCAS to ensure they uploaded properly.
Listed below are instructions for the current admission cycle only. Check back for updates related to future admission cycles.
You may qualify for additional admission points if you are proficient in both English and one other language.
Submit BOTH to NursingCAS by deadline:
Types of Accepted Certifications:
The Nursing Department Certification of Language Proficiency Form and associated letters can be accepted up to one year only from date of first submission (if re-applying).
*Due to COVID-19 related cancellation of spring 2021/fall 2021 admission cycles, we extended the three year time limit for one additional year, for the spring 2022/fall 2022 admission cycles only.
The LVN-BSN Pathway is part of the Pre-Licensure Program. The pathway is offered to any applicant with extensive medical knowledge and/or experience in the following field: Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).
Students graduate from this program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree and are eligible to take the RN license exam. The pathway is five semesters long, the same length of time as the Pre-Licensure program.
LVN candidates apply to the Pre-Licensure Program following the regular competitive application process. Please upload proof of LVN license to the NursingCAS application.
If you are an LVN and are admitted to the Pre-Licensure program, please read about Credit for Previous Education / Experience. You can request to take a challenge exam to show knowledge of certain first-year course topics, such as the introductory lab classes. If you pass the challenge exam(s), it is possible to take fewer courses during your first semester, but it will not jump you ahead in the overall program. You will still follow the assigned curriculum schedule for the rest of the program.
Our department is aware of many unexpected changes to the applicant experience due to COVID-19, especially related to individual health and safety considerations, availability of clinical opportunities, remote learning and reduced access to volunteer experiences and TEAS exams. Please read the following announcements that affect admission cycles:
General updates to admission categories:
Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) classes
Cal State East Bay Nursing strongly recommends a letter grade for nursing prerequisites, especially the science courses. Our program will still accept CR (credit) on a transcript for a prerequisite course taken during spring 2020 or summer 2020. Courses taken for CR (credit) during fall 2020, spring 2021 or summer 2021 will be evaluated case-by-case. A class with a CR grade will not be included in the prerequisite GPA calculation.
Online Lab Courses in Science Prerequisites
Beginning spring 2020 term, Cal State East Bay Nursing will accept an online lab for a science prerequisite, as long as it is an approved science and lab course.
TEAS Exam
Cal State East Bay Nursing still requires the TEAS exam for upcoming admission cycles. Our program will accept a remote version of the TEAS exam. Go to the ATI website to search for TEAS exams that are offered remotely. TEAS exams are not currently offered at Cal State East Bay until further notice.
Additional / Optional Categories
Personal statements, forms, required hours and deadlines remain the same. Online or phone experiences can be accepted as long as they meet program guidelines for contributing to the health or wellness of the community. Online clinical hours for CNA or EMT (or other certificate) programs may be accepted for health-related experience as long as they meet licensing requirements.
Recency Requirements
Due to the COVID-19 related cancellation of the 2020-2021 year's application cycles, the seven year recency requirement for science prerequisites is extended for one year for the next application cycle only (spring 2022 and fall 2022 admission). Community or health-related experience will be accepted for up to four years from time of application for the next application cycle only (spring 2022 and fall 2022 admission). Spring 2023 and Fall 2023 admission cycles will return to the previous recency requirements.
Up through the fall 2022 Admission cycle, Cal State East Bay Nursing selected candidates based entirely on a merit-based points system. Students from different admission categories received additional points in addition to select academic and non-academic criteria. Applicants with highest point totals are offered admission.
Beginning spring 2023, Cal State East Bay will be using a combination of priority lists and a point-based system. Priority applicants are identified first and then points are assigned based on admission criteria. See previous sections of this website for more detail.
Candidates that submit an incomplete application, are missing TEAS exam scores, or do not meet minimum GPA or TEAS requirements will be denied. These applicants may be notified of their admission status earlier than other candidates.
All offers of conditional admission to the Nursing Program and Waitlist notices are sent via email by April.
All offers of conditional admission to the Nursing Program and Waitlist notices are sent via email by early November.
**University admission offers for transfer students will not be released until the Nursing Program makes its admission decisions.
Remaining eligible candidates are placed in ranked order on a waitlist according to total admission points. If a candidate on the waitlist does not gain entry into the program and wishes to be considered for the following year or following term, a new application must be submitted. If a candidate on the waitlist is not offered admission by a certain date close to the beginning of the term for which they applied, they are also denied by the university.
In case of equal points ranking, tie-breakers will be 1) science score on TEAS Exam, then 2) cumulative GPA in all baccalaureate level coursework, then 3) California residency status.
Notify Nursing Admissions at nursing@csueastbay.edu within 15 calendar days of receipt of the notification. Write a thorough explanation why you believe an error occurred. Provide written documentation to support your claim upon request.
HEALTH DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with these requirements and be ready to submit proof of them on short notice. We provide exact deadlines and directions along with our offer of admission. Please do not submit any documents or proof to the Nursing Department until requested.
ESTIMATED EXPENSES for orientation requirements, future courses and clinical rotations
