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Foreign Trained Nurse (FTN)

Foreign-Trained Nurse Option
Summer Program

Foreign-trained nurses represent a substantial part of the nursing workforce in California and parts of the United States. This trend is likely to accelerate in the coming years. The California State University, San Bernardino College of Extended Learning (CEL) offers some coursework assisting this cohort of students to fulfill some of the requirements put forth by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN).

This non-degree program of study is designed specifically for nurses who have obtained their formal nursing education in another country and/or state, yet would like to practice as a Registered Nurse in California. The program will prepare those completing this program to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which is a necessary requirement to practice professional nursing in California.

The California BRN informs the foreign-trained applicant what their individual requirements are. These courses often include adult Medical/Surgical nursing and a course in nursing Obstetrics and/or Psychiatric nursing. The CSUSB College of Extended and Global Education typically offers a didactic and a clinical course in both Medical/Surgical nursing as well as Obstetrics during the summer quarter. For more information, please visit the Foreign-Trained Nurse Admissions Page

To be able to take the exam for licensure, the applicant must provide evidence of education equivalencies and remediation in BRN-prescribed activities. Once the BRN is satisfied that these conditions have been met, the foreign-trained nurse may take the licensure exam.

For inquiries, contact ftninfo@csusb.edu