Nursing
Visit the Department Web Site »
The Department of Nursing offers a four-year baccalaureate nursing program which is fully accredited by the California State Board of Registered Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Once students are admitted to the major, the program consists of five semesters. Students are eligible to take the state licensing* exam after successful completion of nursing major courses. They can also receive Public Health Certification from the state of CA. The baccalaureate degree in nursing has been identified by the major professional nursing groups as entry level into the practice of professional nursing. Unlike diploma and two-year nursing programs, the bachelor of science degree in nursing is built upon a base of study in the liberal arts with extensive clinical (laboratory) experience concentrated in the upper level of study. The advantages of the BS in Nursing include receiving in-depth knowledge of biological and social sciences; a high level of reading, writing, critical thinking and mathematical skills; preparation for leadership roles; courses stressing preventive and rehabilitative services, health counseling and education (nursing theory), acute and long-term care, and supervisory roles. This degree is used as a stepping stone to graduate school and expanding roles as teacher, clinical specialist, nurse practitioner, administrator or researcher.
Nursing is an impacted program, which means that there are supplementary screening criteria and an additional, separate application. These items are available on the nursing website at www.humboldt.edu/~nurs.
The Department of Nursing is committed to client-centered, holistic care, and is certified by the American Holistic Nurses Association (AHNA). Our nursing program provides a rural nursing perspective. The impact of the rural environment on the student’s education creates a nurse who is more self-reliant in function and decision-making, has increased primary assessment skills, and can demonstrate increased skills as client advocate, liaison referral source and community organizer. Recent graduates have indicated that their education at Humboldt, particularly the strength of the clinical program and our holistic focus, increased their employability in both rural and urban areas.
Students have their clinical experiences in numerous health settings within the community, including local hospitals, health clinics, Public Health, community service agencies, ambulatory health centers, schools and home health agencies. Humboldt is committed to maintaining practice experiences in obstetrics, pediatrics, adult health, community health, gerontological, and mental health nursing.
The Nursing faculty, while conducting innovative research and teaching, have also maintained close bonds with their clinical practice by working in areas such as obstetrics, medical-surgical, critical care, emergency, and psych-mental health consulting. Several faculty members are certified in their respective areas of expertise.
Degrees Offered
BS