

School of Nursing
901 East Alosta Avenue
Azusa, CA 91702-7000

Azusa Pacific University and School of Nursing
Azusa Pacific University offers more than 50 areas of undergraduate study, 26 master's degree programs, and 7 doctorates to a total student population of more than 8,500 students. The institution's founding vision is to develop disciples and scholars, doing so through on-campus education, off-site regional centers, study abroad programs, and missionary opportunities. Striving to maintain the motto God First, Azusa Pacific University prepares Christian scholars to serve and influence the world for Christ through excellence in higher education
School of Nursing
Consistent with the mission and purpose of the university, the School of Nursing is a Christian community of discipleship, scholarship, and practice. Its purpose is to advance the work of God in the world through nursing education, collaborative projects, and church and community service that encourages those affiliated with the School of Nursing (whether faculty, staff, student, graduate, or colleague) to grow in faith and in the exercise of their gifts for service to God and humanity.
The School of Nursing and its programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the California Board of Registered Nursing.
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Back to topThe BSN integrates faith and ethics to train students as skilled and knowledgeable practitioners, preparing them to take the California Board of Registered Nursing examination for RN licensure and apply for the California State Public Health Certificate following graduation. This is an accredited bachelor of science degree in nursing that can be taken either full- or part-time. The degree provides a solid foundation in pharmacology, health assessment, nutrition, microbiology, human anatomy, organic and biochemistry, and human growth and development. These then provide a framework for advanced study in mental health nursing, restorative nursing, nursing care of the elderly, maternal, newborn, and women's health, nursing care for children and young adults, pathophysiology, case management, and nursing research.
RN to BSN
Back to topRegistered nurses from associate's degree and diploma programs may apply to the baccalaureate nursing program (see BSN program information). The program is offered each time a cohort of ten students apply. Each applicant is individually evaluated and appropriate credit given for previous education. Applicants must be currently licensed in the state of California.
Accelerated RN to BSN Degree Completion Program
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This 15-month program caters to working health care practitioners who want flexible class scheduling, accelerated curricula, and a simplified registration process. Designed for the adult learner, eligible students are 25 years of age or older and have five or more years of significant work experience with at least two years spent as a practicing RN. Students may begin the program in the fall or spring semester.
At registration, students are placed in groups of no more than 22 nurses who progress through the courses together. Classes are offered one evening a week for four hours, and class space for each student is guaranteed in advance. Courses vary in length from five to ten weeks. The same evening of the week is used for a group throughout the program. Clinical experiences for specific courses are arranged at other times during the week.
The accelerated RN to BSN program is also offered online, giving students access to the same quality curriculum and instruction without the on-campus class requirement. Designed to meet the needs of students with schedule and location conflicts, the virtual classroom provides flexibility for class and study times and an easy way to connect with faculty and other students.
LVN to BSN and LVN to RN (30-Unit Option)
Back to topTwo programs are available to the licensed vocational nurse (LVN): the LVN to BSN, and LVN to RN, both 30-unit options. Licensed vocational nurses are evaluated on an individual basis. Credit is given for general education courses that are transferable. Students choosing the LVN to RN option are admitted as terminal non-degree students.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Back to topDesigned for working professional nurses and delivered through classes scheduled in the evening hours, the Master of Science in Nursing Program prepares students in advanced theory and practice for a specialized clinical area of nursing. Graduate students are prepared to assume functional roles as clinical nurse specialists, parish nurses, family nurse practitioners, adult nurse practitioners, pediatric nurse practitioners, or school nurses, and may elect an additional emphasis in administration or education. The combination of theory, research, and professional development also prepares graduates for doctoral study in nursing.
APU's School of Nursing also offers the MSN with uniquely combined clinical specialties:
- Adult clinical nurse specialist plus adult nurse practitioner
- Parent-child clinical nurse specialist plus pediatric nurse practitioner
- School nurse services credential (non-degree) program with an option to continue studies toward a master's degree specialization as family nurse practitioner or pediatric nurse practitioner
Coursework for this degree must be completed in eight years.
Second Careers and Nursing (SCAN) Program (Accelerated MSN)
Back to topThe SCAN program offers an MSN in an accelerated format and is designed to provide graduate-level nursing education for those who hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in other disciplines. It combines preparation in basic nursing sufficient to prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and preparation for an advanced practice role in a clinical nursing specialty.
Students are admitted into the graduate program in the School of Nursing. For the first five semesters, they take all of the pre-licensure theory and clinical courses and selected graduate nursing courses, followed by an internship, to prepare them to take the RN licensure examination.
After successfully obtaining the RN license, students then progress with more graduate courses, selecting the nursing specialty practice area they wish to pursue. Upon successful completion of all graduate coursework, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree are awarded.
The program is designed as an intensive three-year sequence of pre- and post-licensure study that enables students to become registered nurses and also leads to the MSN degree with a clinical specialty.
Early Entry into Nursing and Advanced Practice (EENAP) Program
Back to topThis EENAP program is designed to provide nursing education for those who hold baccalaureate or higher degrees in other disciplines and provides the coursework, both theoretical and clinical, necessary for licensure as a registered nurse.
Once the coursework is completed, the student will take the pre-licensure portion of NCLEX-RN licensure exam. Upon successful completion of the pre-licensure portion of the program, the BSN is awarded. Graduate students then begin coursework in advanced nursing practice leading to the MSN.
Combined School Nurse Services Credential (SNSC) Programs
Back to topThese SNSC programs focus on development of leadership skills within an educational setting, emphasizing the application of theory and knowledge in working with school children, their families, and school personnel. Students develop theoretical and practical expertise in nursing and education applied to basic health services in the public schools (K - 12). This enables them to establish, maintain, and coordinate a comprehensive school health program.
Three combined programs are offered:
- School Nurse Services Credential and Master of Science in Nursing
- School Nurse Services Credential and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (This combined specialty program leads to a Master of Science in Nursing.)
- School Nurse Services Credential and Family Nurse Practitioner (This combined specialty program leads to a Master of Science in Nursing.)
Post-Master's Credential Programs
Back to topPost-master's credential programs vary in number of units and are available in:
- Adult Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nursing Administration
- Nursing Education
- Parent-Child Clinical Nurse Specialist
- Parish Nursing
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
Back to topThe Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing, with emphasis in either health of the family and the community or international health, is a research-based program designed to prepare graduates for a life of scholarship and teaching. The course work for the PhD in Nursing consists of 52 units beyond the Master of Science in Nursing, with an additional 12 units for dissertation research.
The program is designed for nurses who hold master's degrees and wish to pursue a doctoral degree in nursing. Graduates of this program will be nurse scholars, educators and researchers who, in their future roles as academicians, will contribute to the body of nursing knowledge in order to improve the health of society and prepare the next generation of nurses. The purpose of the nursing PhD program is to prepare nursing leaders, educators, and scholars.
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