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University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing is a top choice for
any potential student interested in entry-level and graduate nursing education. UCSF
nursing school is currently ranked the number two program in the country by U.S. News
and World Report, behind Johns Hopkins,
University of Pennsylvania and
University of
Washington, which all tied for number one. UCSF first began as a diploma program in
1907. The first bachelor degree program in the University of California system was
offered on the Berkeley campus in 1917. The first graduate degree was offered a year
later. The first doctoral degree nursing program was offered in 1965. In 1959, the
UCSF School of Nursing was officially formed and all nursing school activities were
consolidated to the San Francisco campus.
Why choose UCSF School of Nursing?
UCSF School of Nursing has a rich nursing heritage. The school is part of a world-renowned
health sciences campus, including schools of dentistry, medicine and pharmacy. The
university's teaching hospitals, UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Benioff Children's
Hospital, were recently awarded Magnet status by the American Nurses Credentialing
Center. This honor signifies excellence in nursing practice, patient care, safety
and satisfaction and is awarded to less than 7 percent of hospitals. Currently, there
are over 600 students enrolled in the various degree programs at UCSF of which 14
percent are male, 6 percent are international students and 37 percent identify themselves
as an under-represented minority. UCSF has a high student retention rate, varying by
program from 85 percent to 98 percent. Attending an accredited nursing school is important.
UCSF School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Admissions
AT UCSF School of Nursing, admission is very competitive with an acceptance rate around
12 percent. Requirements for admission to UCSF vary by degree. For the traditional masters
degree, applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing, have an active registered
nursing license, have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or greater and have a minimum of one year
of work experience. Applicants to the Masters Entry Program must have completed prerequisite
coursework including human anatomy, statistics, microbiology and nutrition. Additionally,
prospective students must hold a baccalaureate degree in a general non-nursing field,
complete the GRE exam, provide four letters of recommendation and provide a written
goal statement. Applicants to the doctoral degree program must hold a bachelor's or
masters degree in nursing, have a graduate GPA of at least 3.2, have one year of nursing
experience and hold an active nursing licensure.
Degrees and Specializations
UCSF School of Nursing does not offer a traditional bachelor degree program. Available
degrees start at the master's level and continue to the doctoral level. At this time,
none of the degree programs can be completed online. UCSF has traditional master degree
programs, as well as specialized options. Two unique offerings are the Associate Degree
(ADN) to Masters pathway and the Masters Entry Program. The ADN to Masters program is
designed for actively practicing nurses who do not hold a bachelor degree who wish to
earn a bachelor degree in nursing, or continue on to the masters level. The Masters
Entry Program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing
field and wish to enter the nursing profession. Traditional masters degree programs are
available in the following specializations: clinical specialist, nurse practitioner,
educator, nurse midwife, administrator, health policy specialist, or consultant. Nurse
practitioner subspecialties include adult-gerontology primary care, family, women's
health, pediatric and psychiatric/mental health. Clinical nurse specialist subspecialties
include adult-gerontological, adult-gerontological critical care trauma and oncology. The
doctor of philosophy degree prepares nurses for research or teaching careers.
Tuition and Financial Aid
UCSF tuition varies by degree and resident status. Non-residents are charged a higher rate
than residents. The 2012-2013 annual tuition and fees for a nursing master's degree are $22,881.00
for residents and $35,126.00 for non-residents. For a nursing doctoral degree, annual tuition
and fees are $15,141.00 for residents and $30,243.00 for non-residents. The Masters Entry
Program total tuition is $55,000 for four terms. These figures do not include room, board,
books or supplies.
Financial aid options at UCSF include loans, scholarships, grants, traineeships, fellowships,
and employment opportunities. Much of financial aid is based on need and financial resources.
Eligibility is based on the UCSF belief that financial responsibility for tuition and
education costs rests with the student and family. Scholarships are also available that
are awarded based on academic excellence, past work histories and future practice interests.
Traineeships and work-study positions are also available. For students who desire to become
nursing faculty, there is a loan program through the Health and Human Services Division. A
3 percent interest rate is charged, but up to 85 percent of the loan value is forgiven for
teaching service after graduation. For master's and doctoral degree students interested in
occupational health, stipends are available for full-time study through the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health.
UCSF is a top nursing school for anyone interested in furthering a career in nursing. UCSF
has much to offer with top nursing faculty, exceptional clinical facilities and an excellent
reputation. Students get a top notch nursing education and valuable real-life clinical
experience at two Magnet hospitals. As UCSF is a top-ranked nursing school, graduates may
have an easier job hunt than graduates of other schools. UCSF is an excellent choice for
any students looking to enter the nursing profession at the master's level, become an
advanced practice nurse or enter the nursing research field.
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