Info on Sac State BSN?

[redhead1988]

Hi all! New to the board and I hope I am posting in the right area. I am just looking for a little info on Sac State BSN program- mostly just things like does the program go through summer semester, what does your class and clinicals schedule look like, and who decides where students are placed for clinical? Any information that you want to share would be greatly appreciated :-) I am currently finishing up my prerequisites at American River College and am hoping to apply next year probably for Spring but most likely for the following Fall.... So I guess that would be Fall 2013? Geesh that makes it feel so far away! Anyways, thank you :-)

[redhead1988]

anyone?

[Mossback]

I'm a May graduate of the Sac State nursing program, so this info might be a touch out of date. Nevertheless, I'm happy to take a shot at answering your questions.

I am just looking for a little info on Sac State BSN program - mostly just things like does the program go through summer semester?

The program runs for two years on the conventional academic plan, with a three-month break between the spring and fall semesters. The program is pretty intense, so you'll likely be pretty happy to have the break.

What does your class and clinicals schedule look like?

You'll start each of your first three semesters with a two to three-week "frontloading" session, that involves class and labs from roughly 8-5 each day. This is designed to get you ready for clinicals, which start on week three or four. Clinicals continue until a couple of weeks before finals. During the first semester, you'll get a med/surg placement and do one day of clinicals per week. Second semester is more med/surg and psych, with clinical two days per week. Third semester is peds and OB on an alternating basis, with two days of clinical per week. Fourth semester is devoted to a 255-hour preceptorship and public health. In all, you'll do around 800 hours of clinical over the course of the program.

Who decides where students are placed for clinical?

If memory serves me correctly, you don't get much input on your first semester clinical placement. You'll have some choice for your second and third semester postings. In fourth semester, you get to choose where you'll do your preceptorship, although you'll need to have a second and third choice, since many facilities/departments have limited placements. You won't get much choice for public health.

Sac State offers a terrific program. The faculty is top notch, the classrooms and labs in Folsom Hall are spacious and well-equipped, and the university can offer clinical placements at nearly all of the major hospitals in the area. You'll get a great nursing education. Best of luck!