Accelerated BSN Programs in Pennsylvania

DeSales University
2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, PA 18034, 610-282-1100.
DeSales University is a private, Catholic university located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1965, it was originally called the Allentown College of St. Francis de Sales. Its name was changed to DeSales University in 2001. It now offers over 30 academic programs and enrolls over 2,400 students. The Department of Nursing and Health was established in 1974.

It offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 15 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. This 2nd degree BSN program involves extensive clinical and laboratory work at local hospitals and clinics. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the following prerequisite classes: Human Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, Introduction to Psychology, and Developmental Psychology. The application deadline is in November.

Drexel University

Drexel University

3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104,

215-895-2000

Drexel University is a private university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1891 by Anthony J. Drexel, it was originally called Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry. Drexel University now offers over 170 academic programs and enrolls over 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The cornerstone of Drexel’s unique educational experience is its co-operative education program that allows up to 18 months of full-time professional employment related to their academic and career interests. The College of Nursing and Health Professions offers the Accelerated Career Entry BSN program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after just 11 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 13 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in April for spring admission and in October for fall admission.

Duquesne University

Duquesne University

600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282
412-396-6000

Duquesne University is a private, Catholic university located on a 49-acre campus in the Bluff section of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1878, it was originally called Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost. It is now home to 10 schools and colleges and offers over 100 academic programs. The School of Nursing offers two options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree: the traditional BSN option and the Second Degree BSN option. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 1 year of full-time study, including 740 hours of clinical work at local hospitals and community facilities. To qualify for this BSN accelerated degree program the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 7 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in December.

Eastern University

Eastern University

1300 Eagle Road, St. David’s, PA 19087,

610-341-5896

Eastern University is a private institution located in Saint David’s, Pennsylvania, with campuses in Philadelphia and Wynnewood. Founded in 1925, it was originally a department of the Division of Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. It became a separate institution in 1952. It is now home to 5 schools and colleges and enrolls over 4,000 students. The School of Nursing at Eastern University offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the BSN Two2 Second Degree Nursing Program. This second degree BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 2 years of full-time classroom and clinical work. Between the first and second years students participate in externships a local hospitals. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 6 prerequisite classes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania

219 Meadville Street, Edinboro, PA 16444,
814-732-2000

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania is a public university located on a 585-acre campus in Edinboro, Pennsylvania with campuses in Erie and Meadville. Founded in 1857, it was originally called Edinboro Academy, a school that prepared students for careers in teaching. It now offers over 100 degree programs and serves over 9,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The Nursing Department at Edinboro University offers four tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Innovative Nursing Program. This second degree accelerated program allows students to earn a BSN degree in 15 months. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Gwynedd-Mercy College

Gwynedd-Mercy College

1345 Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437,

215-646-7300

Gwynedd-Mercy College is a private institution located in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, 25 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Founded in 1948 by the Sisters of Mercy, it was originally a junior college. It was rechartered in 1963 as a four-year college. It now offers over 50 academic programs and enrolls over 2,500 graduate and undergraduate students. The Frances M. Maguire School of Nursing at Gwynedd-Mercy offers a Weekend Nursing Option program for students who have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. This second degree accelerated program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 4 semesters of weekend classroom and clinical work. Classes and clinicals are scheduled from 8am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The School of Nursing has clinical affiliations with over 200 hospitals and clinics in Philadelphia as well as in other parts of Pennsylvania and in New Jersey and Delaware. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 7 prerequisite classes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for August entry.

LaSalle University

LaSalle University

1900 W. Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19141,

215-951-1000

LaSalle University is a private, Catholic institution located on a 130-acre campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was found in 1863 by the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools as an all-male school. It became coeducational in 1970. It is now organized into 4 colleges and schools and enrolls over 7,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the ACHIEVE Program. The ACHIEVE Program is an evening and weekend program that allows students who already have a college degree in a field other than nursing to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. It is offered at the Philadelphia and Bucks County-Newtown campuses. Classroom time occurs during weekday evenings and clinicals take place during weekdays and on the weekends. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 7 semesters. To qualify for this program, the student must also have completed the 8 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in March for fall entry and August for spring entry.

Misericordia University

Misericordia University

301 Lake Street, Dallas, PA 18612,
570-674-6400

Misericordia University is a private, Catholic institution located on a 120-acre campus in Dallas, Pennsylvania, 8 miles from downtown Wilkes-Barr. It was founded in 1924 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy with an original purpose of teaching and caring for the sick. It now is organized into 3 academic colleges and serves over 2,300 graduate and undergraduate students. The Nursing Department is part of the College of Health Sciences. It offers the Second Degree option for students with college degrees in majors other than nursing and allows them to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in an shortened timeframe. Both part-time and full-time schedules are available for this accelerated BSN program. To qualify for this second degree accelerated BSN program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 5 prerequisite classes. The application deadline for the full-time program is in September for January entry, and the application deadline for the part-time program is in December for May entry.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University

112 Shields Building, University Park, PA 16802,
814-865-4700

Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as “Penn State,” is a public university located in University Park, Pennsylvania, with 19 additional campuses throughout Pennsylvania. Founded in 1855 by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it was originally called Farmers’ High School Pennsylvania, a school that prepared students for careers in agriculture. Penn State is now home to 14 schools and colleges and enrolls over 90,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Penn State School of Nursing enrolls over 2,500 students on 13 campuses. It offers three options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Second Degree program. This accelerated second degree BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. Students spend about 900 hours doing clinical work at Altoona Regional Health System, Lewistown Hospital, Mount Nittany Medical Center, Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Philhaven. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in November for August entry.

Robert Morris University

Robert Morris University

6001 University Blvd., Moon Township, PA 15108,

800-762-0097

Robert Morris University is a private university located on a 230-acre campus in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1921 by Andrew Blass, it was originally called Pittsburgh School of Accountancy. Its name was later changed to Robert Morris University after self-made millionaire businessman, Robert Morris. The university is now home to 5 schools and enrolls over 5,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers the Second Degree Track that allows students to earn a BSN degree after 15 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. Clinical experiences are conducted in hospital and clinic settings in the greater Pittsburgh area. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 9 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in March.

Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University

130 S. Ninth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107,

215-503-8890

Thomas Jefferson University is a private health sciences university located on a 13-acre campus in Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1824, it was originally called Jefferson Medical College. Known as Thomas Jefferson University since 1969, it is now home to 6 colleges and schools and enrolls over 1,800 graduate and undergraduate students. The Jefferson School of Nursing offers the Facilitated Academic Coursework Track (FACT) for students who already have earned a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 12 months of intensive full-time attendance, including 24 hours per week of clinicals. To qualify for this second degree BSN degree program, the student must also have completed the 7 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in November.

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania

1 College Hall, 34th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104,

215-662-7583

University of Pennsylvania is a private, ivy-league institution located in Philadelphia. Founded in 1740, it is the 4th oldest university in the United States. It is consistently ranked as one of the top 5 schools in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. It is organized into 12 schools and colleges and enrolls over 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing offers the BSN Second Degree program that allows students to earn a BSN degree after 18 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. Clinical experiences take place at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 7 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in October.

University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh

3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261,

412-624-4586

University of Pittsburgh is a public institution located in the Oakwood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1787, it was originally a private institution called Pittsburgh Academy. After years of academic expansion, in 1908 its name was changed to the University of Pittsburgh. It is now home to 17 schools and colleges and enrolls over 28,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Nurses have been trained at the University of Pittsburgh since 1939 and its School of Nursing was recently ranked 7th by U.S. News & World Report’s “America’s Best Graduate Schools”. The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 3 terms of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this top accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 10 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in February for the fall term, June for the spring term and October for the summer term.

Villanova University

Villanova University

800 E. Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085
610-519-4500

Villanova University is a private, Catholic institution located on a 254-acre campus in Villanova, Pennsylvania, 12 miles east of Philadelphia. Founded in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine, it was named after Saint Thomas of Villanova. Currently Villanova has 5 academic divisions and enrolls over 10,000 students. Villanova College of Nursing was established in 1953. It now offers 4 options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Second Degree Option. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 14 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. Clinical practica take place at over 70 affiliated hospitals and community-based agencies. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 9 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in October.

Waynesburg University

Waynesburg University

51 W. College Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370,
724-627-8191

Waynesburg University is a private, Christian institution located in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, with satellite locations in North Hills, North Hills and Monroeville. Founded in 1810 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to prepare students for Christian service, it was named after Revolutionary War hero General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Waynesburg University continues to encourage leadership and volunteerism with its students, faculty and staff completing over 38,000 hours of community service each year. Waynesburg University currently offers over 100 academic programs and enrolls over 2,500 graduate and undergraduate students. The Waynesburg University Nursing Program offers 3 tracks for obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Second Degree Option. This accelerated BSN program is designed to allow students with a non-nursing bachelors degree to add science and nursing courses to his or her previous education in order to earn a BSN. The duration of the program is 3 semesters and 2 summers. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 3 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in July.

Westchester University of Pennsylvania

Westchester University of Pennsylvania

700 South High St, West Chester, PA 19383,
610-436-1000

Westchester University of Pennsylvania is a public university located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1871, it was originally called Westchester Normal School, a school that prepared students for careers in teaching. The school eventually expanded its curriculum to include liberal arts and changed its name to Westchester University of Pennsylvania. It now boasts over 200 academic programs and enrolls over 12,000 students. The School of Nursing offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Second Degree Accelerated program. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after a shortened term of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 10 prerequisite classes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for May entry.