Join CalSouthern’s School of Nursing
The School of Nursing strives to provide quality, seamless, undergraduate and graduate education designed to help nursing leaders at all levels of practice prepare to advance the health of all people, nationally and globally, utilizing a curriculum that cultivates creativity, learning, professional accountability, and academic integrity.
Learners work to enhance their professionalism and critical thinking skills in order to foster a culture of trust and provide theoretical and evidenced based nursing care competently in a safe, ethical and equitable manner to socioeconomic and culturally diverse patient populations in various healthcare settings utilizing the latest information and technology. The School is dedicated to providing a rich and dynamic educational experience to those who choose the freedom and flexibility in learning to achieve their educational goals.
School of Nursing Leadership
Dean
Stephanie S. Yackel, DNP, RN
Dean of Nursing, Dr. Stephanie Yackel is a registered nurse that brings more than 24 years of exceptional clinical knowledge, dynamic teaching skills, and leadership in academic and clinical settings.
During her professional clinical career, she worked in the specialty area of oncology. Dr. Yackel’s higher education career includes roles as Dean of Nursing and Faculty Program Director for numerous nursing programs spanning the practical nursing, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s level overseeing students, faculty, and staff in residential, hybrid, and online environments to meet the end of program student learning outcomes. She has also taught courses both residentially, hybrid, and online in programs spanning from practical nursing to master’s levels.
Dr. Yackel has a strong belief in life-long learning and embodies ethical values and dedication that allow students to reach their unique personal and professional goals. She has a passion for innovative curriculum design and development and has served as a subject matter expert in course revisions and development.
Program Chair
Dr. Misti Ludgwig, DNP, RN-BC
Chair of Nursing, Dr. Misti Ludwig is a registered nurse that has more than 18 years of nursing experience, with more than 6 years of bedside leadership and 12 years of educational leadership.
During her professional clinical career, she worked in the medical surgical, telemetry and post-surgical areas. She has held titles such as Patient Care Manager and staff nurse. Dr. Ludwig’s career in academia includes various roles from Faculty to Program Coordinator, Dean and Program Administrator. She has worked with degree programs such as practical nursing, associate, bachelor, and master’s level in nursing. Dr. Ludwig also holds a Masters in Online Teaching Certificate as well as a Masters Online Leader and Administrator Certificate.
Dr. Ludwig’s teaching philosophy states: "As a nurse educator and leader, I strive to provide an environment that is student centric through role modeling the values of integrity, continuous learning and excellence. I am committed to inspiring students to grow as leaders and become change agents in their nursing practice."
Faculty Mentors
The faculty mentors in CalSouthern’s School of Nursing are skilled nursing professionals with experience across a wide variety of leadership and senior education positions in an array of healthcare settings. In addition, they are highly qualified and dedicated educators.
You will appreciate this dual, academic and professional nursing experience as you work one-on-one with your faculty mentor for each course. They will be available to support your learning and mastery of the course content. Perhaps even more important, they will also be able to help you utilize the concepts that you learn and apply them to real-world issues.
Learn more about this group of professionals dedicated to your success. View faculty directory.
The higher education I received at CalSouthern allows me to be more marketable to the workforce and be able to address evolving and changing needs in nursing.
Explore Recent News
From the School of Nursing
How Nursing Professionals Can Achieve Work-Life Balance
California Southern University’s School of Nursing Department Chair, Johanna Bruner, MS, RN, FNP discussed wellness during a university event. Read more here.
Live, Virtual Events Address Needs in the Workforce
California Southern University announces two live events in 2021 to create open discussions on issues currently facing working professionals. Read here.
Beyond Curriculum: Support and Boot Camp Events for Doctoral Learners
CalSouthern is inspired by all of its graduating classes and alumni. Hear about the 2021 graduating class commencement ceremony in this overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
The School of Nursing offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs for learners that want the opportunity to expand their nursing knowledge, skills, and abilities. Learners can pursue the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) or the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialty focus in either nursing education or nursing leadership.
You can begin your education at CalSouthern now. Classes at CalSouthern begin monthly and are delivered asynchronously online with practicum requirements completed in your local community. Completion of the applications and application process will depend on how quickly you begin. Speak to an Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-800-477-2254 ext. 47822) or request information online. Once you have completed the online request, you may hear from an advisor within 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.
CalSouthern’s nursing programs may open the door to additional opportunities. For example, graduates of the RN-BSN degree program can receive knowledge and academic credentials to pursue a management or leadership career path in many practice settings. Graduates of the MSN degree program will have had the opportunity to prepare to pursue roles in nursing education and nursing leadership. In addition, both programs are designed for working adults. You can pursue your degree online with the flexibility for weekly study that fits your busy schedule. Practicum requirements can be completed in your local community.
Yes! The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs at CalSouthern are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Ready to pursue your educational goals? We can help!
Accreditation
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs at CalSouthern are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/ccne-accreditation)
Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.
CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all jurisdictions. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.
