Online vs Traditional RN to BSN Program: A Complete Guide
17 Most Common Questions About RN to BSN Program
The public health industry is increasing in demand. By 2026, the market will increase up to 15%, especially for registered nurses. Moreover, people expect quality patient’s care. With these increasing demands, professional nurses enroll in an online RN to BSN program to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Briefer on RN to BSN Program
This program aims to prepare nurses on more complex, more advanced sets of skills such as nurse management on patient care. Often, RN to BSN is a bridge program available to nurses with RN license.
You can enroll in the program either through online nursing schools or the traditional way of learning. Either way, you can complete the nursing program through accelerated, full-time, or part-time education.
If you’re a registered nurse planning to enroll in nursing courses, here are some common questions you might want to ask first. We provided the answers, so you don’t need to research them elsewhere.
How Many Years Can You Complete an RN to BSN program?
Generally, completion of a BSN program takes two years with full-time learning. However, if you are an RN and had obtained an ADN diploma, you can complete these programs in less than two years.
This shorter completion term is due to the transfer of credit hours. Some nursing schools will allow you to transfer 60 credit hours.
How Many Credit Hours Are RN to BSN?
Most RN to BSN programs require you to finish approximately 120 credit hours with generally 60 transferrable credit hours. The 60 credit hours may include 30 credits on nursing-related courses and 30 credit hours on clinical experiences.
However, these credit hours may vary, so check out this information before enrolling in an online nursing school.
What Classes Do You Need for RN to BSN?
When you take this program, the classes will focus on high-level nursing topics. These topics may include nursing management, nursing ethics, and informatics. Primarily, the curriculum varies, so you might want to scan the list before enrolling.
In some cases, the curriculum will include general education, especially if the nursing school doesn’t allow transferring credits related to these courses. You can take these classes through traditional set-up or online learning.
How Does an Online RSN to BSN Program Differ From an On-Campus Program?
An Online RSN to BSN program vs on-campus program don’t differ much on skills and knowledge acquisition. The level of education you get is the same. But, the two may still provide different learning experiences.
In online learning, you will complete a daily task through a learning management system. Moreover, you won’t have to go to school, thus, little to zero face-to-face interaction. But, some schools will require you to visit once or twice throughout the online course.
The most significant advantage of online learning is your ability to keep your job while completing the course. However, you need a high level of dedication and discipline to finish an online course.
Luckily, nursing schools have made significant changes to make online learning as rewarding as the traditional way. Constant communication, such as email, forum discussions, and online chat, creates conducive learning online.
What is the Fastest and Easiest RN to BSN Program?
The fastest way to gain RN to BSN degree is through accelerated learning, full-time, or part-time. However, accelerated programs might not be the easiest because it requires your full attention.
Most of the time, accelerated programs have stricter and harder admission requirements than the standard learning program. School requirements may include a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a thorough screening process.
Moreover, you will also experience a heavier workload than the standard program. As a result, some nursing schools with accelerated programs will require you to stop your current job until you complete the course.
What Are the Admission Requirements?
Admissions requirements may vary from one school to another. Usually, here are the general conditions:
RN license or AND diploma
3.0 GPA or higher
Transcript of records
Criminal background check
Clinical experience (but not all)
Passing the admission test (for some nursing schools)
Check the specific requirements by inquiring about the schools. If you want, you can check our page on nursing schools by state.
How Many Clinical Hours Are Required in RN to BSN Courses?
Some nursing schools require you to complete clinical hours. In some cases, you need to finish three clinical hours for every hour of classroom learning.
Other online courses don’t require clinical, especially those classes taught 100% in an online setting. But, you might need to keep your job as a full-time nurse while completing the course.
How Can You Complete Your Clinicals?
In cases you need to complete clinical hours, you can request your school to find a suitable preceptor. Alternatively, you can arrange for a volunteer work near your place. Some nursing schools will allow your clinical experience at your current job as part of the completion requirement.
Some schools will require you to complete clinical experience from other communities or outside your school’s state. Either way, always check with the schools regarding this clinical experience. The requirement differs.
Do You Have to Take NCLEX for RN to BSN?
Well, it depends. There are two circumstances where you will take NCLEX after finishing an RN to BSN course.
First, you didn’t pass the first time. If you have decided to take the RN to BSN degree after failing, you have to take the NCLEX. Some states don’t allow registered nurses to work without NCLEX. Others will provide a temporary license until you pass your NCLEX.
Second, you didn’t take the NCLEX right after you got your RN license. Some states separate the application of RN license and NCLEX while others combine the two. If you did this, eventually, you’ll take the NCLEX-RN.
If you already took the NCLEX right after you got your RN license, you don’t need to take it after finishing an RN to BSN degree.
Here are some things to remember regarding licensing. Most states recognize your RN license taken from other states. However, some states will require you to take an exam so that you can work as a nurse, even with NCLEX-RN in your portfolio.
How Do You Know if an RN to BSN Program is the Best?
The best program will prepare nurses like you and aid you in learning about professional development. Professional development often includes learning about leadership. It improves your communication skills with patients and co-workers.
Aside from professional development, the best program will help you build the necessary skills to surpass critical situations. The goal of these RN to BSN programs is to prepare you in delivering a superior level of patient care.
Also, the best program will improve your cultural awareness and knowledge. In cultural awareness, you need to understand the different socioeconomic, racial, and religious aspects of giving healthcare to patients.
How Expensive is a Nursing Program?
The cost of a nursing program depends on the curriculum included and the type of learning. It ranges from $7,000 to 15,000. The cost of getting a bachelor’s degree may seem expensive, but don’t let it hinder you.
Some employers allow reimbursement of the cost, whether you’re a regular or part-time employee. All you need is to talk to your employer or the human resource department about your plans.
Read the next question to know more about how you can pay for the degree.
How Will You Pay for the Degree?
You can pay for the degree by retaining your job or asking for financial aid. Some employers will pay for the tuition of their employees in return for more service years. If you don’t have any means to fund your nursing course, you can seek financial assistance from the government.
The US Government provides student loans, grants, and scholarships to qualified individuals. The application requirements for these financial aids may vary from state to state. So, make sure to inquire.
Aside from the government, private organizations and individuals also provide scholarships to deserving students. An example is Johnson & Johnson. Another unconventional way is through crowdsourcing.
Can You Keep Your Job While Studying?
Generally, you can still work as a nurse while completing your Bachelor of Science degree. Many schools encourage, and some will require you to maintain a nursing job for the duration of the nursing course.
However, you might want to study full-time for accelerated programs to finish the course in less time than the standard. It means you’ll need to file a study leave from your employer.
What Can You Learn After Completing the RN to BSN Program?
These bridge programs enhance your skills and clinical knowledge. Often, the focus is on evidence-based practice. Thus, RN to BSN programs will develop your decision-making skills in critical situations.
Aside from evidence-based practice, you can have clinical experience. This clinical experience is especially helpful if you haven’t worked as a professional nurse after finishing your ADN course.
Often, the curriculum includes topics on direct and indirect care. Direct care courses deal with patient care and how you collaborate with other providers. These classes will help you create the best healthcare plan for patients.
Indirect care often relates to back-office jobs such as the formulating of sound healthcare policies and creating a system to facilitate a high level of healthcare.
What are the Advantages of Having a BSN degree?
We can think of many benefits, but we’re going to discuss only four.
First, you get better opportunities in applying for high-level positions. Nursing jobs are in demand, and this will mean the competition is fierce. So, if you have higher and advanced education in nursing, you have a greater chance to move up in the ladder. You can apply for a higher position.
You can also apply for non-clinical related jobs such as administrative positions or a researcher to enhance patient care. RN to BSN program exposes you to different non-clinical topics such as informatics.
Second, you get more in-depth training. Completion of a Bachelor of Science means you have undergone many practices in communication and critical thinking.
Third, you can earn a higher salary. Since you can apply for a higher position, your expected salary will increase, too.
Lastly, you can request for tuition reimbursement. Many employers offer this benefit as an option for their employees because it benefits both employers and employees.
Key Takeaways
With the RN to BSN program, you can become competitive with other nursing professionals. Even if you don’t plan to get a job in the direct care area, you can still help the healthcare industry through informatics and nursing management.
Before we end this post, here are two key takeaways you should remember when evaluating BSN programs.
First, you should decide based on your available time and capacity to pay for the tuition. In case you can’t pay but want to upgrade your nursing skills, you can request financial aid.
Second, you can obtain BSN through online learning while maintaining your job as a nurse. The traditional way is still available, but online education has become a standard with the fast-paced style of living.
Do you still need some information to make the decision? You can contact us or subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest nursing-related issues and topics.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Nebraska
Creighton University
School of Nursing, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178. Tel: 402-280-2000.
Creighton University is a private, Catholic university located on a 120-acre campus in Omaha, Nebraska, adjacent Omaha’s business district. There is a second campus in Hastings. It was founded in 1878 by the Society of Jesus and a gift from Mary Lucretia Creighton. Today Creighton University annually enrolls over 6,900 students in 9 colleges and schools.
Nursing training at Creighton began in 1928 when Creighton became affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing. In 1955 Creighton established a nursing department in the College of Arts and Sciences and in 1978 the nursing program became a school. The School of Nursing offers programs on both the Omaha and Hastings campuses. Creighton’s ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program allows qualified students to earn a BSN degree after 12 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN second degree program, the student must have already earned a non-nursing bachelors degree and must have completed the prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better in each. The prerequisites include: Sociology or Cultural Anthropology, General Psychology, Lifespan Development or Developmental Psychology, Ethics or Bioethics, Nutrition, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Anatomy and Physiology. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Nebraska Methodist College
Nebraska Methodist College
720 N 87th Street, Omaha, NE 68114,
800-335-5510
Nebraska Methodist College is a private college affiliated with the Methodist Health System located in Omaha, Nebraska. It was founded in 1988 as the Diploma School of Nursing and in 1988 was incorporated as a college. Today Nebraska Methodist College enrolls over 900 students and offers several health-related undergraduate and graduate academic programs. The nursing program at Nebraska Methodist College offers an Accelerated BSN program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 15 months of intensive, full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this 2nd degree BSN program, the student must have already earned an associates or bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The student must also have completed the 13 prerequisite classes prior to matriculation. The application deadlines is August for January entry.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska Medical Center
College of Nursing, 985330 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198,
402-559-5102
The University of Nebraska Medical Center is a public, academic medical center located in Omaha, Nebraska. It is part of the University of Nebraska System. It was founded in 1879 as a private medical college and renamed in 1880 as the Omaha Medical College. In 1902 it became part of the University of Omaha, which in 1968 decided to consolidate all of its health sciences programs into the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Today, the school offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs in 11 colleges, institutes and schools. The University of Nebraska School for Nurses opened in 1917 with 13 students. Now called the College of Nursing, it offers an Accelerated BSN program that allows qualified students to earn a BSN degree in 12 months. The program schedule includes a 12-week summer semester followed by a 16-week fall semester, and a 16-week spring semester. Clinical training is scheduled in each semester and may occur on weekends and evenings. To qualify for this BSN second 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 October for May entry.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Nevada
Nevada State College
1125 Nevada State Drive, Henderson, NV 89002. Tel: 702-992-2000.
Nevada State College is a public college located in on a 500-acre campus in Henderson, Nevada near the base of the McCullough Mountains. It was founded in 2002 by the Nevada legislature to fill a need for a 4-year college in the Henderson area.
Today Nevada State College enrolls over 3,000 students and offers 26 undergraduate degree programs. The School of Nursing offers a one year Accelerated Track for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. To qualify for this 2nd degree BSN program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes with a grade of “C-” or better in each. The application deadlines are in January for summer entry and March for fall entry.
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Roseman University of Health Sciences
11 Sunset Way, Henderson, NV 89014,
702-990-4433
Roseman University of Health Sciences is a private institution located in Henderson, Nevada. It has a second campus in South Jordan, Utah as well as an online program. Founded in 2001 as the Nevada College ofPharmacy and the University of Southern Nevada, it is now organized into 4 schools: the College of Medicine, College of Pharmacy, the Master of Business Administration Program and the College of Nursing.
The College of Nursing at Roseman University offers an Accelerated Online BSN program for earning a Bachelor of Sciences in Nursing degree in 15-months of full-time study. This unique accelerated BSN program combines online programs for the didactic learning with clinical rotations in Las Vegas area hospitals and health clinics. To qualify for this online ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, the student must have a bachelors degree and must have completed the prerequisite coursework prior to matriculation. The prerequisite coursework includes: Chemistry, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Statistics, and US History and Nevada Constitution. The application deadlines are in December for February entry, May for July entry and August for October entry.
Accelerated BSN Programs in New Jersey
Fairleigh Dickinson University
285 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940, Tel: 800-338-8803.
Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private institution located in Madison, New Jersey with additional campuses in Teaneck and Madison, New Jersey, as well as in Canada and Great Britain. It was founded in 1942 by Peter and Sally Sammartino, and named in honor of Col. Fairleigh S. Dickinson.
Originally a junior college, Fairleigh Dickinson is now the largest private university in the New Jersey with an annual enrollment of over 12,000 students. It was also the first university in the United States to have a campus in England. The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health offers the Accelerated BSN program that allows students to achieve the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on an abbreviated schedule. It has clinical affiliations with over 30 hospitals in the area making it convenient for students to complete required clinical work. To qualify for this BSN second degree programthe student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. In addition, the student must have completed the following prerequisite classes: Human Anatomy and Physiology, General Chemistry, Microbiology, Statistics, Microeconomics or Macroeconomics, and Bioethics. The applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Felician College
Felician College
262 South Main St., Lodi, NJ 07644,
201-559-6000
Felician College is a Catholic college located in Lodi, New Jersey with a second campus in Rutherford. It was founded in 1923 by the Felician Sisters as the Immaculate Conception Normal School. Today Felician College has over 50 degree programs with an annual enrollment of over 2,000 students. The Felician College Division of Nursing & Health Management’s Accelerated BSN degree program allows qualified students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in just 18 months. The program is organized into six 12-week sessions that include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 32 hours of prerequisite coursework. The applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
New Jersey City University
New Jersey City University
2039 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07305,
888-441-6528
New Jersey City University is a public university located on a 46-acre campus in Jersey City, New Jersey. It was established in 1929 and was originally called the New Jersey State Normal School. Today New Jersey City University is organized into 3 colleges, offers 68 academic programs, and enrolls over 6,300 students. The nursing program at New Jersey City University is part of the College of Professional Studies. The Accelerated BSN Program offers a comprehensive nursing education that allows qualified students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in just 12 months. Like the traditional BSN program this 2nd degree accelerated BSN program combines classroom instruction with enriching clinical experiences at health facilities throughout New Jersey. To qualify for this program, the student must be a college graduate and must have taken the 5 prerequisite classes. The application deadlines change each year and are posted on the New Jersey City University website in the fall.
Rutgers, The University of New Jersey
Rutgers, The University of New Jersey
180 University Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102,
973-353-5293
Rutgers, The University of New Jersey (Rutgers University), is the largest university in the state of New Jersey. It is located in Newark, New Jersey, with additional campuses in Camden and New Brunswick. Founded in 1766 as Queen’s College, Rutgers University is the 8th oldest university in the United States. Today Rutgers University has over 58,000 students in 28 schools and colleges. Rutgers College of Nursing was established in 1955 and holds classes in both Newark and New Brunswick. The College of Nursing offers an Accelerated Second Degree BS in Nursing that allows qualified students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree after 14 months of study. The curriculum combines traditional classroom study, clinical experience and online classes. To qualify for this accelerated second degree BSN program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. In addition, the student must have completed the 11 prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better. The application deadline is in February.
Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University
400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079,
973-761-9000
Seton Hall University is a private, Catholic institution located in the South Orange, New Jersey, about 30 minutes from New York City. Founded 1856 by Archbishop James Roosevelt Bayley, it is named after Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first American-born saint. It is the oldest and largest Catholic university in New Jersey. Seton Hall now has an enrollment of 9,800 undergraduate and graduate students.
Seton Hall began to offer nursing classes in 1937, and the College of Nursing was established in 1940. The College of Nursing offers 2 programs that allow qualified students to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at after a shortened period of study. The BSN Second Degree program is a 22-month program, while the BSN Accelerated program requires 14 months of study. The BSN Accelerated program is offered in conjunction with Georgian Court University. Classes take place at the Georgian Court campus in Lakewood, New Jersey. To qualify for admission both of these accelerated BSN programs require that the student have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. In addition, the student must have completed the 7 prerequisite classes. The application deadline for the BSN Second Degree program is in April for the fall semester and in October for the spring semester. The application deadline for the BSN Accelerated program is in April.
University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
School of Nursing, 65 Bergen Street, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07107,
973-972-5336
The University of Medicine & Dentistry is a public institution in New Jersey with campuses in Newark, Stratford, New Brunswick, Piscataway, Camden, and Scotch Plains. Originally a part of Seton Hall University, the State of New Jersey acquired it in 1965. Effective July 1, 2013, the school will merge with Rutgers University and will be known as the Rutgers School of Biomedical and Health Sciences. The School of Nursing offers the Accelerated BSN Programthat allows qualified students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing after 15 months of full-time, intensive study. It is designed for students who have already earned a bachelors degree in another field. Classes are held on the Newark and Stratford campuses. To qualify for this BSN second degree program, in addition to already holding a bachelors degree, the student must have completed the 7 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in September for the spring semester, February for the summer semester and June for the fall semester.
Accelerated BSN Programs in New Mexico
New Mexico State University
2850 Weddell Street, Las Cruces, NM 88003. Tel: 575-646-0111.
New Mexico State University is a public college located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, with satellite campuses in Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Carlsbad and Doña Ana. Founded in 1888, it was originally called Las Cruces College, a school that prepared students for careers in agriculture. It has expanded to now offer 215 degree and certificate programs through its 12 colleges and schools.
The School of Nursing at New Mexico State University offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree: Four-Year Pre-Licensure, Second-Degree Accelerated Program, and RN to BSN. The Second-Degree Accelerated program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated BSN) degree 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 prerequisite classes include: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathophysiology, one additional science course and Statistics. The application deadlines are February for the fall semester and September for the spring semester.
University of New Mexico
University of New Mexico
1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131,
505-277-0111
The University of New Mexico is a public college located on a 600-acre campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with additional campuses in Los Alamos, Gallup, Taos, Rio Rancho, and in Valencia County. It is the flagship school in the University of New Mexico System. Founded in 1889 by the New Mexico state legislature, the University of New Mexico now consists of 12 schools and colleges and offers over 225 degree programs. The College of Nursing offers the Second Degree Entry Option as an accelerated path to earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. To qualify for this BSN 2nd degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes. Preference is given to residents of New Mexico. The application deadlines are in February for fall entry and September of spring entry.
Accelerated BSN Programs in New York
There are a number of nursing schools in New York, and a wide selection of accelerated BSN programs as well. Considering there are also online accelerated BSN programs that are accepting students from New York, you should be able to find a school that is the best fit for you.
Below you will find several featured nursing schools that are online and currently accepting applicants from NY residents, followed by a list of select accelerated BSN programs along with our summary of which each has to offer. For the featured programs, simply click on the listing to request more information about the program.
Adelphi University
1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
800-233-5744
Adelphi University is a private university located in Garden City, New York. Founded in 1863, Adelphi University was originally a private preparatory school located in Brooklyn. It became a college in 1896 and attained university status in 1963. It now is organized into 8 schools and enrolls over 8,000 graduate and undergraduate students.
The School of Nursing at Adelphi University offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Second Degree Program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 14 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 following prerequisite classes: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry I and Chemistry II, Pathophysiology, Genetics, Statistics, and Developmental Psychology through the Lifespan and Nutrition. The application deadline is in January for summer entry.
College of Mount Saint Vincent
6301 Riverdale Avenue, Riverdale, New York 10471
718-405-3267
College of Mount Saint Vincent is a private, Catholic institution located in the Bronx, New York. It was established in 1947 as a school for women called Academy of Mount Saint Vincent. It is now coeducational and enrolls over 1,900 graduate and undergraduate students. The Department of Nursing offers the Accelerated Nursing program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 1 1/2 years of classroom and clinical work. Most students enroll as full-time students in the program, but a limited number of students are permitted in this BSN second degree program on a part-time basis. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 4 prerequisite classes and demonstrate a proficiency in English and math. The application deadlines are in February for the fall semester and in September for the Spring semester.
Columbia University
617 West 168th Street, New York, NY 10032
212-305-5756
Columbia University is a private university located in New York City (NYC). Founded in 1754 by King George II of England, it was originally called Kings College. Today it is home to 15 colleges and schools and enrolls over 25,000 graduate and undergraduate students. It consistently ranks in the top 10 in U.S. News & World Report’s national university rankings. The School of Nursing offers the Combined BS/MS program that allows students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing degrees after 2 1/2 years of full-time classroom and clinical work. The program is divided into a bachelors phase and a masters phase. 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 12 prerequisite classes. The standard application deadline is in November and the deadline for early decision is in October.
Concordia College New York
171 White Plains Road, Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-9300
Concordia College New York is a private Lutheran institution located in Bronxville, New York, 30 miles from New York City. Founded in 1881, it is part of the Concordia University system and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. It now enrolls 800 students. The School of Nursing offers the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing 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 4 prerequisite classes with a grade of “B” or better. All prerequisite classes must have been completed within 5 years of admission to the School of Nursing.
Dominican College
470 Western Highway, Orangeburg, NY 10962
845-359-7800
Dominican College is a private institution located on a 64-acre campus in Orangeville, New York, 17 miles from New York City. Founded in 1852 by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt, it was originally a 3-year Catholic school that prepared women for teaching careers. It now offers over 60 undergraduate and graduate academic programs and enrolls over 2,000 men and women. The Nursing Division offers 4 undergraduate programs including the Accelerated Option and the Weekend Accelerated Option. The Accelerated Option allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 12 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. The Weekend Accelerated Option is a 24-month program with classes held on the weekend only, allowing students to hold full-time jobs while enrolled in the program. Both of these accelerated BSN degree programs require that the student have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and have completed the 11 prerequisite classes.
Hartwick College
1 Hartwick Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820
607-431-4000
Hartwick College is a private institution located on a 425-acre campus in Oneonta, New York, with the Pine Lake Environmental campus in West Davenport. Founded in 1797 it was originally called the Hartwick Seminary, having been named after John Christopher Hartwick, a Lutheran minister. Today Hartwark is a liberal arts college, offering over 30 academic programs. The Hartwick College Department of Nursing offers the Accelerated 18 Month Program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 18 months of full-time study. The schedule involves 3-6 week blocks of traditional classroom teaching, online learning and clinical experiences. To qualify for this BSN 2nd 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.
Long Island University Brooklyn
700 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, NY 11548
718-488-1000
Long Island University Brooklyn is a private university located in Brooklyn, New York. It was chartered in 1926 by the New York State Department of Education. Today it is organized into 8 schools and colleges, and enrolls over 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The School of Nursing offers the Accelerated 2nd Degree Track that allows qualified students to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 15 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 8 prerequisite classes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Molloy College
1000 Hempstead Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11571
516-678-5000
Molloy College is a private, Catholic institution located in Rockville Centre, New York. It was chartered in 1955 at the urging of the Most Reverend Thomas E. Molloy, Archbishop of Brooklyn. It was originally called the Molloy Catholic College for Women. In 1971 the name was changed to Molloy College and in 1972 men were admitted. The nursing major was added in September of 1955 and the Division of Nursing was established in 2006. The Division of Nursing now offers the Dual Degree/2nd Degree Program that allows qualified students to first earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and then the Master of Science in Nursing degree on an accelerated schedule. To qualify for this accelerated nursing degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes.
New York University
50 West 4th Street New York, NY 10012
212-998-8050
New York University is a private university in located in New York City, with branch campuses and research programs in other locations in the United States and overseas. Founded in 1831, it is the largest private university in the United States. It is organized into 14 schools, colleges, and divisions and enrolls over 50,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The College of Nursing at New York University was established in 1932 and now has an enrollment of over 1,400 students. The Accelerated BS Program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 15 months 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 7 prerequisite classes. The application deadlines are in April for the fall semester and in November for the Spring semester.
Niagara University
5795 Lewiston Road, Niagara University, NY 14109
716-286-8700
Niagara University is a private, Catholic university located in Lewiston, New York. Founded in 1856 by the Congregation of the Mission, it was originally called Our Lady of Angels Seminary. It was renamed Niagara University in 1883. Today it enrolls over 4,200 students and is organized into 7 colleges and divisions. The College of Nursing offers 3 options for obtaining the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated BS Program. This BSN accelerated program allows qualified students to earn a BSN degree after 1 year of full-time theoretical 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 6 prerequisite classes.
Pace University
1 Pace Plaza New York, NY 10038-1598
212-346-1200
Pace University is a private institution located in New York City, with campuses in Westchester and White Plains. Founded in 1906 by Charles and Homer Pace, it originally trained students for careers in accounting and business. It now is organized into 9 colleges and divisions and enrolls over 13,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The Leinhard College of Nursing at Pace University offers the Accelerated Nursing Program for college graduates who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Students in this second degree BSN program also have the option of continuing in the program to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Students in the undergraduate portion of this program receive the BSN degree after one year of full-time attendance. 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. The application deadline is in February.
State University of New York Downstate Medical Center
450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203
718-270-1000
The State University of New York Downstate Medical Center (SUNY Downstate) is a public health sciences institution located in Brooklyn, New York. It was founded in 1860 as the Long Island College Hospital. Over the years it has expanded and now includes the College of Medicine, the College of Health Related Professions, the College of Nursing, the School of Graduate Studies, and the University Hospital of Brooklyn. The College of Nursing offers two options to achieve the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated BSN program. This second degree BSN program allows qualified students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 15 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 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in November.
Stony Brook New York
Stony Brook University Hospital, 101 Nicolls Road Stony Brook, NY 11794
631-444-4000
Stony Brook New York is a public institution located in Stony Brook, New York, with campuses in Southampton and Manhattan. It is part of the State University of New York. Founded in 1957, it was originally called the State University College on Long Island, a college that trained secondary school teachers in mathematics and the sciences. It is now organized into 12 schools and enrolls over 24,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The School of Nursing at Stony Brook offers the Accelerated Basic Baccalaureate program that allows students to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 12 months of study. It is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree, but wish to pursue a career in professional nursing. Students gain clinical experience from Stony Brook University Hospital as well as other 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 7 prerequisite classes.
State University of New York Binghamton
4400 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13850
607-777-2000
State University of New York Binghamton (SUNY Binghamton) is a public university located on a 887-acre campus in Vestal, New York. Founded in 1946, it was originally called Triple Cities College, a school that trained local veterans of World War II. Now a part of the State University of New York System, SUNY Binghamton is home to 6 colleges and schools, and enrolls over 14,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The Decker School of Nursing was established in 1969 and includes the Innovative Practice Center that houses a family of human patient simulator. The Decker School of Nursing offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Accelerated BSN Option allows students to earn a BSN degree after 12 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN second degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 11 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in November.
College of New Rochelle
29 Castle Place, New Rochelle, NY 10805
914- 654-5000
The College of New Rochelle is a private, Catholic institution located in New Rochelle, New York. Founded in 1904 by the Order of the Ursulines, it was originally called College of St. Angela, the first Catholic college for women in New York. Its name was changed to the College of New Rochelle in 1910. It is now organized into 4 schools: the School of Arts and Sciences, the Graduate School, the School of Nursing, and the School of New Resources. All but the School of Arts and Sciences are now coeducational. The School of Nursing at the College of New Rochelle offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the BSN for College Graduates. This second degree BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 18 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 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in April.
The Sage Colleges
65 1st Street, Troy, NY 12180
518-244-2000
The Sage Colleges is a private institution located about 150 miles north of New York City in Troy, New York, with a second campus in Albany. It was founded in 1916 by Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage as a school that prepared women for professional careers. Mrs. Sage named the school after her late husband, Russell Sage. Today, The Sage Colleges includes Sage College of Albany, the Russell Sage College, the Sage After Work program and the Sage Graduate School. The Russell Sage College remains open to women only. The nursing program is an academic program that is part of the Russell Sage College. The BSN Second Degree program allows students to earn a BSN degree on an accelerated schedule. 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.
University of Buffalo
12 Capen Hall, Buffalo, New York 14260
716-645-2000
The University of Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo) is a public institution located in Buffalo, New York with a second campus in Amherst. Founded in 1846 it is the flagship school in the State University of New York System. Today it offers more than 300 degree programs and enrolls 28,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The School of Nursing at SUNY Buffalo began in the 1930s as a division of the School of Medicine and became an independent school in 1940. It offers the traditional BSN program and an Accelerated BSN program. This BSN Accelerated program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 12 months. The program begins in May of each year and ends in May of the following year. 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 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in October.
University of Rochester
500 Joseph C Wilson Boulevard Rochester, NY 14642
585-275-2100
The University of Rochester is a private institution located on a 15-acre campus in Rochester, New York known as the “Red River” campus. It was founded in 1850 to fill a need for an educational institution in Rochester. Currently the University of Rochester is organized into 5 colleges and schools, offers over 200 academic programs and enrolls over 9,000 students. The School of Nursing at the University of Rochester offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Accelerated Bachelor’s Program for Non-Nurses allows students to earn a BSN degree after 12 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 5 prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better. The application deadlines are July for January entry, November for May entry and March for the September entry.
Wagner College
631 Howard Avenue, State Island, NY 10301
718-390-3100
Wagner College is a private institution located on Grymes Hill in State Island, New York. Founded in 1883, it was originally called Rochester Lutheran Proseminary, a school that trained Lutheran ministers. It now offers over 50 academic programs and enrolls over 2,400 graduate and undergraduate students. The Evelyn L. Spiro School of Nursing offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Second Degree program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 15 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 5 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in February.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Rhode Island
Rhode Island College
600 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908, 401-456-8000.
Rhode Island College is a public institution located in the Mount Pleasant section of Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1854 by the Rhode Island General Assembly, it was originally called the Rhode Island State Normal School, a teacher’s college. Today it is organized into 5 academic divisions and enrolls over 9,000 students.
The School of Nursing offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Basic Baccalaureate Program for 2nd Degree Candidates allows students to earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree after 4 semesters and 1 summer 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 following prerequisite classes: Basic Principles of Biology, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, General, Organic and Biological Chemistry, I and II, Introduction to Psychology, and Human Development.
Accelerated BSN Programs in South Dakota
South Dakota State University
College of Nursing, 2300 Career Avenue, Suite 260, Sioux Falls, SD 57107, 877-269-6837.
South Dakota State University is a public university located on a 286-acre campus in Brookings, South Dakota near the Missouri River, with additional campuses in Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen. Founded in 1862, it is South Dakota’s oldest public university. Today it offers over 200 academic programs with an enrollment of over 12,000 students. The School of Nursing offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
The Accelerated Option is designed for students who have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and wish to pursue a professional nursing career. This second degree BSN program is 12 months long and is offered only in Sioux Falls. Clinical experiences take place in healthcare facilities in the greater Sioux Falls community. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a non-nursing major and must have completed all required SDSU General Education courses and the following pre-nursing classes: Chemistry Survey and Lab, Introduction to Sociology, General Psychology, Organic and Biochemistry with Lab, Anatomy with Lab, Lifespan Development, General Microbiology with Lab, Human Nutrition, Physiology with Lab, and Statistics. The application deadline is in January for August entry.
The same option is available in Aberdeen, SD, and begins in January of each year.
University of Sioux Falls
University of Sioux Falls
101 West 22nd Street Sioux Falls, SD 57105,
800-888-1047
University of Sioux Falls is a private, Christian liberal arts university located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is affiliated with the American Baptist Churches. Founded in 1883, it was originally called the Dakota Collegiate Institute. Today the University of Sioux Falls offers 35 undergraduate majors and enrolls1,600 students. The School of Nursing offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The 2nd Degree Accelerated program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 15 months. It includes a combination of classroom instruction and clinical experiences in healthcare facilities in the Sioux Falls area. 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 6 prerequisite classes.
Accelerated BSN Programs in North Carolina
Duke University
450 Research Drive Durham, NC 27710, Tel: 919-684-8111.
Duke University is a private institution located on a 7,200-acre campus in Durham, North Carolina. It was founded in 1924 by James Buchanan Duke and named after his father, Washington Duke. It has consistently ranked in the top 10 of U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of undergraduate programs at doctoral granting institutions. It is now home to 10 schools and colleges and enrolls over 14,000 graduate and undergraduate students.
The Duke University School of Nursing at offers the Accelerated BSN Program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. There are 23 clinical sites in Durham and Raleigh, including hospitals, missions and retirement facilities. 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 and Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, General Psychology, General Sociology and English Composite. The application deadline is in May for fall admission and December for spring admission.
North Carolina AT&T State University
North Carolina AT&T State University
1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411,
336-334-7500
North Carolina AT&T State University is a public institution located in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was founded in 1891 by the North Carolina General Assembly to educate African Americans. It now is organized into 9 schools and colleges and enrolls over 10,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The School of Nursing was established in 1953 with its first class of 15 students graduating in 1957. It offers the Accelerated BSN Option for 2nd Degree Students that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 12 months of full-time study with 3 one week breaks. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) 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.
Queens University of Charlotte
Queens University of Charlotte
1900 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28274,
704-337-2200
Queens University of Charlotte is a private institution located in Charlotte, North Carolina that was founded in 1857. It now is organized into 5 colleges and schools, and enrolls 2,600 graduate and undergraduate students. The Presbyterian School of Nursing at Queens University of Charlotte offers the Accelerated BSN Program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 12 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN accelerated 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 priority application deadline is in July, and the final application deadline is in November.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Nursing, Carrington Hall, CB#7460, Chapel Hill, NC 27599,
919-966-4260
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) is a public university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Founded in 1765, it is the oldest state university in the United States. Today it offers over 60 academic programs, and enrolls 29,000 graduate and undergraduate students. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked UNC Chapel Hill 5th of the nation’s public colleges and universities. The School of Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers 2 options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Second Degree program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 4 full-time semesters. To qualify for this BSN second 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. The application deadline is in August 10 for January entry.
Western Carolina University is a public institution located in Cullowhee, North Carolina. It was founded in 1889 as Cullowhee High School to educate the people of the western North Carolina mountains. It now has 8 academic divisions and enrolls 10,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The nursing program at Western Carolina University was established in 1969. It offers 4 tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated BSN Option which was added in 2007. This BSN accelerated program is designed for students who have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. It allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 12 months, and requires students to attend classes every weekday for 8 hours per day. 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 8 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in July for spring entry.
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University
601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27110,
336-750-2000
Winston-Salem State University is a historically black public university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded in 1892 by Dr. Simon Green Atkins, it was originally called Winston-Salem Teachers College. It now is organized into 6 academic divisions and enrolls over 6,000 students. The Division of Nursing at Winston-Salem State University offers the Accelerated Option program in partnership with North Carolina Baptist Hospital. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 13 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 6 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in November for the spring term.
Accelerated BSN Programs in South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina
171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, 843-792-2300.
The Medical University of South Carolina is a public academic medical institution located in Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1824, it was originally called the Medical College of South Carolina, a private college for training physicians. Today it is home to a medical center and 6 colleges for training health care professionals and biomedical scientists.
The College of Nursing started in 1884 as 2-year training program. It now has the largest second degree BSN program in South Carolina. The accelerated 2nd degree BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program at the Medical University of South Carolina is a 16-month program that prepares students for RN licensure. The program includes both traditional classroom training as well as web-enhanced activities and clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities. To qualify for this BSN accelerated nursing 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: Lifespan Human Growth and Development, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics and a Science Elective. For fall admission the application deadline is in November for Priority Admission and in January for Regular Admission. For spring admission, the application deadline is in August for Priority Admission and September for Regular Admission.
Accelerated BSN Programs in North Dakota
University of North Dakota 221 Centennial Drive, Grand Forks, ND 58202, Tel: 701-777-4314.
The University of North Dakota is a public institution located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Established in 1883 by the Dakota Territorial Assembly, it is the oldest university in North Dakota. It is now organized into 10 academic divisions and enrolls over 13,000 graduate and undergraduate students.
The College of Nursing at the University of Dakota offers four 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 3 semesters and 1 summer of full-time classroom and clinical work. The College of Nursing has clinical affiliations with several hospitals and healthcare facilities in North Dakota as well as in South Dakota, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho and several other states. To qualify for this 2nd degree 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: Microbiology, Chemistry, Organic Biochemistry, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Developmental Psychology, Nutrition, Statistics, and Pharmacology. The application deadline is in June.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Ohio
Ashland University
401 College Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805, Tel: 419-520-2631.
Ashland University is a private university located on a 135-acre campus in Ashland, Ohio. It was founded in 1878 by the Brethren Church. The university has expanded its curriculum to offer 73 undergraduate majors and nine pre-professional programs. Nursing education at Ashland University started out in 1919 as a hospital based diploma program at Mansfield General Hospital.
Today the Dwight Shar College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers several options for students to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The Accelerated Track is designed for students who have a non-nursing bachelors degree. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 15 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must also have completed the prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in March for May entry.
Capital University
Capital University
1 College and Main, Columbus, OH 43209-2394,
614-236-6011
Capital University is a private, Lutheran university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was founded in 1830 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Capital University now offers 61 academic programs and enrolls over 3,500 students. The nursing program at Capital University offers the Accelerated BSN Program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 20 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. Optional short-term learning or service opportunities are available both abroad and in the United States. 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: Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Statistics, Human Nutrition, Life Span Development and Basic Psychology or Medical Terminology. The application deadline for early admission is in January, and the deadline for standard admission is in March.
Cleveland State University is a public university located on an 85-acre campus in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Founded in 1923, it was originally called Fenn College. It now is organized in to 8 academic divisions and enrolls over 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The College of Health Sciences and Professions School of Nursing offers the Accelerated BSN program that allows students to earn a BSN degree after 4 semesters of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 6 prerequisite classes. Students must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The application deadline is in June for January entry.
Kent State University
Kent State University
161 Schwartz Center, Kent, Ohio 44242,
330-672-2444
Kent State University is a public university located in Kent, Ohio, with additional campuses in Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Trumbull, Salem, Stark, Geauga, and Tuscarawas. Founded in 1910, it was originally called Ohio State Normal College, a teacher training school. Today Kent State is home to 12 colleges and schools, and enrolls over 40,000 students. The College of Nursing offers the 3 different Accelerated Nursing Program schedules that allow students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in an shortened timeframe. The Daytime Schedule is a 4 semester program, the Evening/Weekend Schedule requires 5 semesters, and the University Hospital schedule is 5 semesters. To qualify for any of these accelerated BSN degree programs, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 4 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in June for the fall cohort, September for the spring cohort and February for the summer cohort.
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
Mount Carmel College of Nursing
127 South Davis Avenue, Columbus, OH 43222,
614-234-5800
Mount Carmel College of Nursing is a private, Catholic college located in Columbus, Ohio, with a second campus in Lancaster. It was founded in 1903 by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. It now enrolls over 900 students, making it one of the largest nursing schools in the Ohio. Mount Carmel offers 3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree programs. The Second Degree Accelerated Program is designed for college graduates who would like to pursue a nursing career. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 13 months of full-time study. Students are expected to devote at least 40 hours a week to classroom study, and complete labs and clinicals in the evenings and on weekends. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing with a GPA of at least 3.0. The applicant must also have completed the prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in May for February entry.
University of Akron
University of Akron
302 East Buchtel Avenue, Akron, OH 44325,
330-972-7111
University of Akron is a public university located on a 218-acre campus in Akron, Ohio, with satellite campuses in Lakewood, Brunswick, Medina, Orrville, and Millersburg. Founded in 1870 by the Universalist Church, it was originally called Buchtel College. By 1907 the school became independent of the Universalist Church and became a public institution called the Municipal University of Akron. Now known as the University of Akron, it offers over 300 academic programs and enrolls over 29,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The School of Nursing is part of the University of Akron’s College of Health Professions. It offers 4 tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The 2nd Degree BSN program allows qualified students to earn a BSN degree after 4 semesters of full-time classroom and clinical work. The School of Nursing has clinical affiliations with many local hospitals, clinics and agencies including Akron General Medical Center, Akron Children’s Hospital, Edwin Shaw Hospital, Head Start Center, Summit County Visiting Nurse Service, and fhe University of Akron Center for Child Development. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) 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.
Ursuline College is a private, Catholic, women’s institution located in Pepper Pike, Ohio, 13 miles from Cleveland. Founded in 1871 by Mother Mary of the Annunciation Beaumont of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland, it has grown to now offer over 40 academic programs and enrolls over 1,500 students. The Breen School of Nursing at Ursuline College infuses holistic, values based ideals into its academic program. The Accelerated BSN Program for Second Degree Students is designed for students who have earned a bachelors degree in a major other than nursing. It allows students to earn a BSN degree after 15 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 8 prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better in each. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for January and June entry.
Walsh University
Walsh University
2020 East Maple Street, North Canton, OH 44720,
330-490-7090
Walsh University is a private, Catholic university located in North Canton, Ohio. Founded in 1960 by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, it was originally called Walsh College. It became a university in 1993 and now offers over 50 academic programs, serving over 2,800 students. The School of Nursing at Walsh University combines a strong academic program with Judeo-Christian values. It offers the Accelerated BSN program to students who already have a college degree. This second degree BSN program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 15 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. Clinical affiliations include Aultman Hospital, Mercy Hospital, Akron-General Hospital, Akron-Children’s Hospital, Summa Health System, Robinson Memorial Hospital, as well as several other clinics and agencies in the North Canton 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 7 prerequisite classes. Prerequisites mush have been taken within 7 years of enrollment and can be completed at Walsh or any other school. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for May entry.
Wright State University
Wright State University
3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435,
937-775-3333
Wright State University is a public university located in Fairborn, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton, with a satellite campus in Grand Lake Saint Marys State Park. Founded in 1967, Wright State University was originally the Dayton branch campus of both Miami University and Ohio State University. In 1965 the Ohio legislature changed the school into a university independent of Miami University and Ohio State University. It is named Wright State University to honor the Wright brothers who were residents of Dayton. It is now home to 8 colleges and schools and enrolls over 19,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The College of Nursing at Wright State University offers the BEACON (Baccalaureate Education Accelerates Career Opportunities in Nursing) program that allows qualified students to earn the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 4 semesters of full-time classroom and clinical work. The College of Nursing has clinical affiliations with hospitals and agencies throughout the Greater Miami Valley Region. Travel for clinical experiences is limited to no more than one hour from the Wright State campus. 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 December for spring entry.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Tennessee
Belmont University
1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212, 615-460-6000.
This university is a private, Christian institution located on a 75-acre campus in Nashville, Tennessee, with satellite campuses in Franklin, Tennessee, Los Angeles, California, and New York, New York. Founded in 1890, today it is the largest Christian university in Tennessee. It is organized into 11 colleges and schools and enrolls over 6,000 students.
The Belmont University School of Nursing was established in 1972 and is now located in the Gordon E. Inman College of Health Sciences building. It offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated 2nd Degree Program. This BSN accelerated nursing program is designed to allow students to earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree after 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this program the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the following prerequisite classes: General Biology or Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Psychology, Life Space Development, Abnormal Psychology, Nutrition, Advanced Math, and 2 Religion courses. The application deadline is in January for fall entry.
Cumberland University
Cumberland University
1 Cumberland Square, Lebanon, TN 37087,
800-467-0562
Cumberland University is a private institution located in Lebanon, Tennessee, 30 miles from Nashville. Founded in 1842 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, it has been independent since 1958. It now offers 23 undergraduate majors and enrolls over 1,300 students. The Rudy School of Nursing offers four tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Accelerated program allows students to earn a BSN degree after a shortened schedule of full-time classroom and clinical work. Clinical experiences take place at hospitals and other healthcare facilities in the Lebanon community. 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.
East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University
807 University Parkway, Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 439-1000
East Tennessee State University is a public university located on a 350-acre campus in Johnson City, Tennessee. Founded in 1911, it was originally called East Tennessee State Normal School, a school that prepared students to become teachers. In 1943 the curriculum was expanded to include liberal arts classes. It is now home to 11 colleges and schools, and enrolls over 15,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The College of Nursing offers five options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Accelerated program allows students to earn a BSN degree after semesters 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 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in February for summer entry.
Union University
Union University
1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN 38305,
731-668-1818
Union University is a private, evangelical Christian institution located on a 290-acre campus in Jackson, Tennessee, with satellite campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville. Founded in 1823, it was originally called Jackson Male Academy. Today it maintains a reputation for academic excellence while providing a Christian education. Union University has 7 academic divisions and enrolls over 4,000 students. The School of Nursing at Union University offers four options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated BSN Program. It is offered at all three Union University campuses. This second degree BSN nursing program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 15 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 4 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in February for summer entry.
University of Memphis
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN 38152,
901 678-2169
The University of Memphis is a public institution located in the Normal Station section of Memphis, Tennessee, with a satellite campus in Jackson. Founded in 1912, it was originally called the West Tennessee Normal School. It is now organized into 11 academic divisions and enrolls over 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students. Nursing education began at the University of Memphis in 1967 and the program became a school within the University in 1984. In 1988 the school changed its name to the Loewenburg School of Nursing in recognition of the financial support of Mr. William A. and Mrs. Ruth Loewenberg. The School of Nursing offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated BSN program. This second degree BSN nursing program is only offered at the Memphis campus. It is designed for students who have already earned a college degree and now wish to change careers. This BSN accelerated program requires 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must also have completed the 9 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in February.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Texas
Baylor University
Baylor University is a private, Christian university located on an 800-acre campus in Waco, Texas. Founded in 1845, Baylor University is one of the oldest universities in Texas. It is now organized into 11 colleges and schools and enrolls over 15,000 students.
The Louise Herrington School of Nursing is located on the Baylor University Medical Center campus in Dallas. It offers 2 tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree: the Traditional Track and the Fastbacc Track. The Fastbacc Track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 12 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. The majority of the clinicals are held at Baylor University Medical Center. 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 May entry. Thirty-six students are accepted into the Fastbacc Track program each year.
Baylor University
1311 South 5th Street, Waco, TX 76706,
254-710-3029
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
11025 Equity Drive, Houston, TX, 77041,
713-277-9800
The Chamberlain College of Nursing is a private, for-profit nursing school with its corporate headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois, and several locations across the United States, including in Houston, Texas. It was established in 1889 as the Deaconess School of Nursing. In 2005 Deaconess was acquired by Illinois-based, DeVry, Inc. In addition to its traditional three-year track to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Chamberlain offers a 2nd Degree BSN Option to adult learners who have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. This BSN second degree program uses the same curriculum as its traditional BSN program, but is designed so that the student can complete the program after 13 months of full-time study. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must have a bachelors degree with an cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and must have completed the 16 prerequisite classes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Texas A&M Health Science Center
Texas A&M Health Science Center
8447 State Highway 47, Bryan, TX 77807,
979-436-0110
Texas A&M Health Science Center is a health professions academic center based in Bryan, Texas. It offers academic programs in dentistry, biomedical sciences, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, public health and pharmacy. Founded in 1999, Texas A&M Health Science Center is now organized into 6 schools and colleges, including Baylor College of Dentistry, the Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, the College of Medicine, the School of Rural Public Health, the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and the College of Nursing. The College of Nursing has campuses in Bryan and Round Rock. It offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Second Degree program. This BSN accelerated degree program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 15 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 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in August for January entry.
Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412,
361-825-5700
Texas A&M University Corpus Christi is a public institution located in Corpus Christi, Texas on Oso Bay. Founded in 1947, it now offers 60 academic programs and enrolls over 10,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers four options for earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree including the Traditional BSN program, the RN-BSN Track, the Accelerated Track, and the Eline Option. The Accelerated Track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 18 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 10 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in December for fall entry.
Texas Christian University
Texas Christian University
2800 South University Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76129,
817-257-7000
Texas Christian Universityis a private, Christian institution located on a 325-acre campus in Fort Worth, Texas, 3 miles from downtown Fort Worth. Founded in 1873, it now offers over 175 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, and enrolls over 9,000 students. The Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Texas Christian University was established in 1946 and was funded by a bequest of Dr. Charles Houston Harris. It offers the Accelerated BSN Program for students who already have earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. This second degree BSN program is a 15-month program that includes the same nursing courses and clinical hours as the traditional program, but they are arranged differently to accommodate the condensed schedule. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must also have completed the following prerequisite classes: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Elementary Statistics, Lifespan Human Development, Introductory Sociology, General Psychology, and Nutrition. The application deadline is in November for summer entry.
Texas State University San Marcos
Texas State University San Marcos
1555 University Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78665,
512-716-2900
Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution located in Round Rock, Texas. Founded in 1899, it was originally called the Southwest Texas State Normal School, a school that prepared students for careers in education. Since then the school has expanded its curriculum and has attained university status. It is now the largest school in the Texas State University System. It is home to 10 colleges and enrolls over 30,000 students. The St. David’s School of Nursing was established in 2008 and is part of the College of Health Professions. The Second Degree Accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree on a condensed schedule. 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 15 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in January.
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
School of Nursing, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430,
806-743-2730
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center is a health sciences academic institution located in Lubbock, Texas with satellite campuses in Abilene, Amarillo, Dallas, El Paso and the Permian Basin. It was founded in 1979 by the Texas legislature. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing offers a Second Degree BSN program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 12 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 15 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in May for the Abilene, Lubbock and Odessa campuses and in October for the Austin and Hill Country campuses.
Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University
304 Administration Drive, Denton, TX 76204,
940-898-2000
Texas Woman’s University is a public university located on a 270-acre campus in Denton, Texas, with health science center locations in Dallas and Houston. Founded in 1901, it was originally called Girls Industrial College. Since then the school expanded its curriculum to offer a liberal arts program. It is now coeducational and enrolls over 13,000 students. The Texas Woman’s University School of Nursing offers the Weekend Program on its Dallas campus. It allows qualified students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing after 6 semesters of weekend classes and clinicals. Classes are held on Friday evenings and clinicals are held on Saturdays and Sundays. 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 February.
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington
701 S. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX 76019,
817-272-2011
The University of Texas at Arlington is a public institution located on a 420-acre campus in Arlington, Texas, a few blocks from downtown Arlington. Originally known as Arlington College, it was founded in 1895 to improve the availability of quality education in Arlington. Currently it is organized into 12 academic programs and enrolls over 30,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The College of Nursing was established as the John Sealy Hospital Training School and is one of the oldest nursing schools in the southwest. The Online Accelerated BSN program is a 15-month program, divided into 4, 12-15 week sessions. Clinical experiences and labs are held at partnership hospitals on the weekends. To qualify for this second degree BSN degree program the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 11 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in January for fall entry and June for spring entry.
The University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso
500 West University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968,
915-747-5000
The University of Texas at El Paso is a public institution located on a 366-acre campus in El Paso, Texas. Founded in 1914, it is now organized into 7 colleges and schools and enrolls over 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The School of Nursing was established in 1898 and was originally called the Hotel Dieu Training School for Nurses. In 1976 it became part of The University of Texas at El Paso. The Accelerated Fast Track BSN program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 12 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 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in March for May entry.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
6901 Bertner, Houston, TX 77030,
713-500-5010
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is a public institution located in Houston, Texas, in the Texas Medical Center. It is organized into 6 schools: the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the School of Public Health, the School of Dentistry, the Medical School, the School of Biomedical Informatics, and the School of Nursing. Its teaching hospitals include Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, and Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. The School of Nursing offers the Accelerated BSN Program to qualified students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than nursing. This second degree BSN program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 15 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must also have completed the prerequisite coursework. The application deadline is in December for summer entry.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229,
210-567-7000
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is a public health science education and research institution located in San Antonio, Texas, in the South Texas Medical Center. It is organized into 5 schools: the Dental School, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Professions, School of Medicine, and the School of Nursing. The School of Nursing offers the Accelerated Track for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. It is designed for students with a college degree in a field other than nursing who now wish to pursue a career in professional nursing. This accelerated second degree BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 15 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must also have completed the prerequisite coursework. The application deadline is in November for May entry.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555,
409-772-1826
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is a public health science education and research institution located in Galveston, Texas. It is organized into 4 schools: the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Professions, School of Medicine, and the School of Nursing. The School of Nursing offers three options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree: the Traditional BSN program, the RN-BSN program, and the Accelerated BSN program. The Accelerated BSN program is designed for students with a bachelors degree in a non-nursing major. This accelerated second degree BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 15 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must also have completed the prerequisite coursework. The application deadline is in November for summer entry.
University of Houston-Victoria
University of Houston-Victoria
3007 N. Ben Wilson, Victoria, TX 77901,
361-570-4848
University of Houston-Victoria is a public institution located in Victoria, Texas, with satellite campuses in Sugar Land and Cinco Ranch. It was founded in 1971 by the Texas College and University System in response to a need for a university in the Victoria area. It is now organized into 4 schools and enrolls over 4,000 students. The School of Nursing is located on the Sugar Land campus. and . The Second Degree BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 12 months of full-time, intensive study. Require clinical experiences will take place primarily at healthcare facilities in the Sugar Land and Katy. 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 for spring entry.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Utah
University of Utah
University of Utah is a public institution located on a 1,534-acre campus in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded in 1850 at the urging of Brigham Young, it was originally called the University of Deseret. It now is organized into 18 colleges and schools and enrolls over 30,000 graduate and undergraduate students.
The College of Nursing offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Accelerated Baccalaureate program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 4 semesters of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this accelerated 2nd degree BSN program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the following prerequisite classes: General Biology, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, General Chemistry, Bio-Organic Chemistry, Statistics, Nutrition Intervention, Growth & Development, Intro to Medical Microbiology, and Pathophysiology. The application deadline is in January for summer entry.
University of Utah
1901 E. South Campus Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84112,
801-581-6984
Accelerated BSN Programs in Virginia
Eastern Mennonite University
Eastern Mennonite University is a private institution located in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1917 by members of the Mennonite Church to provide higher education to young Mennonites. Today Eastern Mennonite continues to embrace its core Christian values. It now offers over 45 majors and enrolls over 1,500 students.
The nursing program offers a 2nd Degree Program that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 4 semesters 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 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in February for fall entry and June for spring entry.
Eastern Mennonite University
1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802,
540-432-4000
George Mason University
George Mason University
School of Nursing, 4400 University Drive,
Fairfax, VA 22030,
703-993-1901
George Mason University is a public university located on a 622-acre campus in Fairfax, Virginia, 15 miles west of Washington, DC. Founded in 1952, it was once a part of the University of Virginia until 1972 when it became an independent institution. It is now organized into 13 schools and enrolls over 30,000 students. The School of Nursing is part of the College of Health and Human Services. It offers a 12-month Accelerated Second Degree Pathway for students holding a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must also have completed the 7 prerequisite classes. All of the prerequisites must be completed by the end of George Mason’s spring term. The application deadline is in January for fall entry.
Hampton University
Hampton University
100 E. Queen St., Hampton, VA 23668,
757-727-5000
Hampton University is a private, historically black and native American university located in Hampton, Virginia, with a second campus in Virginia Beach. Founded in 1868, it was originally called Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. Hampton is now organized into 6 colleges and schools, and enrolls over 5,400 graduate and undergraduate students. The School of Nursing was founded in 1891 and now holds classes at both the Hampton and the Virginia Beach campuses. The School of Nursing also offers distance education. The Accelerated BSN program is offered at the Virginia Beach campus. This 2nd degree accelerated program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 2 1/2 years of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this ABSN (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 October.
Liberty University
Liberty University
1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg, VA 24502,
434-582-2000
Liberty University is a private, Christian university located on a 6,189-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1972 by Dr. Jerry Falwell, Sr. and continues to promote both the intellectual and spiritual growth of its students. Today Liberty University offers over 225 academic programs and has an extensive online learning curriculum. The Department of Nursing at Liberty University is part of the College of Arts and Sciences. The ABSN (Accelerated BSN) degree program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 3 terms 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 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in February.
Lynchburg College
Lynchburg College
1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501,
434-544-8100
Lynchburg College is a private, Christian institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Founded in 1902 by Dr. Josephus Hopwood, it was originally called Virginia Christian College. It now offers over 50 academic programs and enrolls over 2,500 students. The Nursing Program at Lynchburg College offers two options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including an accelerated option. The Accelerated 2nd Degree program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 2 years 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 6 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in April for the summer term.
Marymount University
Marymount University
2807 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207,
703-522-5600
Marymount University is a private, Catholic university located in Arlington, Virginia. Founded in 1950 by the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, it was originally called Marymount College, a two-year women’s school. Today it is home to 4 academic schools and enrolls over 3,500 students. The nursing program at Marymount University is part of the Malek School of Health Professions. The Accelerated BSN program is designed for students who have earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. It allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in four semesters for full-time attendance. Clinical experiences take place in world-class healthcare facilities such as: Bethesda Naval Medical Hospital, Children’s National Medical Center, George Washington University Hospital, and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. 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 following 6 prerequisite classes: Principles of Sociology, General Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology I & II with lab, Microbiology with lab, Chemistry, and Statistics. The application deadline is in September for First Review, October for Second Review and if space is available, in November for Third Review.
Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University
700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504,
757-823-8600
Norfolk State University is a public, historically black university located on a 134-acre campus in Norfolk, Virginia. It is home to 8 academic divisions and enrolls over 7,000 students. The Department of Nursing and Allied Health is part of the College of Engineering, Science & Technology. It has offered nursing programs for more than 50 years. The Second Degree program is a highly competitive track designed for college graduates with degrees in fields other than nursing. This BSN second degree program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 2 years 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 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in December for May admission and in August for January admission.
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University
5115 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA 23529,
757-683-3000
Old Dominion University is a public university located in Norfolk, Virginia. Founded in 1930, it was originally the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary. It became independent in 1962 and in 1969 gained university status. Today Old Dominion University is organized into 6 colleges and schools and enrolls over 24,000 students. The School of Nursing is part of the College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. It offers two tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree: pre-licensure and post-licensure. The Pre-licensure Track with the Accelerated Schedule is designed for students who have a non-nursing bachelors degree and who now would like to pursue a career in professional nursing. This BSN accelerated nursing programs allows students to earn a BSN degree after 2 years of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must also have completed the prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in February.
Shenandoah University
Shenandoah University
1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601,
540-665-4500
Shenandoah University is a private institution located in Winchester, Virginia, with a second campus in Ashburn. Founded in 1875 by Dr. Abraham Funkhouser and Professor Jay Fries, it was originally called Shenandoah Seminary. The school attained university status in 1991 and changed its name to Shenandoah University. Today it is organized into 6 colleges and schools, and enrolls over 1,700 students. The Division of Nursing is based in the School of Health Professions. It offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Accelerated Second Degree Track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 15 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN accelerated nursing program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 12 prerequisite classes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University
1100 East Leigh Street, Richmond, VA 23298,
804-828-07245171
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public institution located in Richmond, Virginia. It was established in 1838 with the founding of Medical College of Virginia. VCU is now a liberal arts school that offers 222 degree and certification programs. The School of Nursing traces its roots to 1893 with the nursing diploma program at the Virginia Hospital Training School. It became a four-year program in 1953. Today the School of Nursing offers three options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Accelerated BS program allows qualified students to earn the BSN after 5 semesters of intense classroom study and clinical work. The clinicals take place at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center as well as other nearby hospitals and healthcare facilities. To qualify for this second degree 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 is in November for summer entry.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City University
2501 N Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Tel: 405-208-5000.
Oklahoma City University is a private university located on a 104-acre campus in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Founded in 1904 by the Methodist Church. It is now organized into 9 academic divisions and enrolls over 3,600 graduate and undergraduate students.
The Kramer School of Nursing at Oklahoma City University offers the Bachelor’s to BSN Program that allows qualified students to earn a BSN degree after 3 semesters and 1 summer 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 following prerequisite classes: Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Psychology. The application deadline is in December for January entry.
University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
1100 North Lindsay Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73104,
405-271-4000
The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center is a public institution located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was founded in 1900 at the medical department of the University of Oklahoma. Today its academic divisions includes the College of Medicine, the Graduate College, the College of Allied Health, the College of Dentistry, the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, and the College of Public Health. Nurses have received training at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center since 1911. It currently offers the ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program that allows qualified students to earn a BSN degree in 14 months. To qualify for this accelerated 2nd degree BSN program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 11 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in September for summer entry.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Oregon
Linfield College
900 SE Baker Street Unit A456, McMinnville, OR 97128. Tel:800-452-4176.
Linfield College is a private college located in McMinnville, Oregon, with a second location in Portland. Founded in 1858, it was originally called the Baptist College at McMinnville. The school’s name was changed in 1922 after Frances Ross Linfield donated a significant amount of real estate to the school.
Today Linfield offers 47 majors through 3 academic divisions and enrolls over 1,600 students. The Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing is located on the Portland campus. It offers the Accelerated BSN program which is a 15-month program that culminates in the awarding of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. 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 8 prerequisite classes.
Oregon Health & Science University
Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239,
503-494-8311
The Oregon Health & Science University is a public health sciences institution located in Portland, Oregon with a second campus in Hillsboro. It was founded in 1974 as the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center when the state combined its nursing, medicine and dentistry programs. Today the Oregon Health & Science University includes a School of Dentistry, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy and School of Nursing, and enrolls over 3,900 students. The School of Nursing offers the Accelerated BS program for students who already have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. This 2nd degree BSN program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 5 quarters, beginning in the summer term. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, the student must also have completed the 6 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in January.
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.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Missouri
Cox College 1423 N Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65802. Tel: 417-269-3401. Cox College is private health sciences college located in Springfield, Missouri. It was established in 1909 as the Burge Deaconess Training School for Nurses, but closed in 1945. It reopened in 1951 with the help of Lester E. Cox. The school’s name was later changed to the Lester L. Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences and then to Cox College to honor Lester Cox. Cox College now offers several health-related certificate and degree programs.
The BSN program Accelerated Option is available to students who have received a bachelors degree in another field from a regionally accredited college or university. Because of the academic rigor of this accelerated, 16-month BSN program, students must enroll full-time and outside employment is discouraged. In addition to having a bachelors degree, in order to qualify for admission into this second degree BSN program applicants must have taken the prerequisite coursework. The application deadline is in August.
Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College
Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College
4483 Duncan Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110,
314-454-7055
The Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes Jewish College is a private, Jewish institution located in St. Louis, Missouri. It was founded in 1902 as the Jewish Hospital School of Nursing. In 2007, after receiving a donation from philanthropist Alvin Goldfarb, the school changed its name to the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College. The Goldfarb School offers the Accelerated Option to students with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. This accelerated BSN program involves 12-months of intensive study. The curriculum includes 40-50 hours each week of classroom, lab and clinicals. Clinical experiences are held at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Missouri Baptist Medical Center and other local health care facilities. Admission requirements include having a bachelors degree with a GPA of at least 2.0 and having completed the prerequisite coursework. The prerequisites include Anatomy and Physiology I with lab, Anatomy and Physiology II with lab, Microbiology with lab, Nutrition, Statistics, General Psychology and Human Growth and Development.
Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University
3950 Newman Road, Joplin, MO 64801-1595,
417-625-9300
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is a public institution school located in Joplin, Missouri. It was established in 1937 as Joplin Junior College. In 1977 it was renamed Missouri Southern State University to reflect its expansion into a comprehensive four year college. It is now organized into four schools: the School of Education, the School of Technology, the School of Arts & Sciences, and the Robert W. Plaster School of Business Administration. The nursing program at MSSU is part of the School of Technology. It offers the Accelerated BSN Track to students who have already earned a bachelors degree, but wish to pursue a BSN degree. The program is approximately 14 months long and requires full-time attendance. To qualify for admission, the student must have taken the 6 pre-nursing classes. The application deadline is in January of each year.
Research College of Nursing
Research College of Nursing
2525 E Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64132,
816-995-2800
The Research College of Nursing is a private institution located in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1905 as the German Hospital Training School for Nurses, 10 years later the name was changed to the Research College of Nursing. In 1979 the Research College of Nursing formed a partnership with Rockhurst College, a liberal arts school, in order to offer a joint Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The two schools now also jointly offer the Accelerated BSN Option that allows qualified students to earn the BSN degree in 12 months. To qualify for admission, in addition to having a bachelor degree, applicants must also have completed the prerequisite coursework, including 15 credits at Rockhurst University. Students are encouraged to begin the application process for this BSN accelerated program 1½ – 2 years in advance in order to have time to complete any necessary prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in April.
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University
221 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103,
800-758-3678
Saint Louis University is private, Jesuit institution located in the Lindell’s Grove section of St. Louis, Missouri. It was founded in 1818 as Saint Louis Academy by the Most Reverend Louis Guillaume Valentin Dubourg, Bishop of Louisiana and the Floridas. Since then the school’s academic curricula has expanded to include over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, offered in 18 schools and colleges. Established in 1971, the Saint Louis School of Nursing was the first to offer an ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program. This 2nd degree accelerated BSN program is an intensive 12-month program geared toward students who already have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing or students who have earned at least 77 credit hours. The applicant must also have taken the 8 prerequisite courses and received a “C” or better prior to matriculation. The application deadline is in May.
University of Missouri
University of Missouri
Sinclair School of Nursing, S235 School of Nursing, Columbia, MO 65211,
573-882-0277
The University of Missouri is a public university located on a 1250-acre campus in Columbia, Missouri. With more than 5,000 trees and 650 varieties of plants, the campus has been designated as a “botanic garden.” The University of Missouri is organized into 19 schools and colleges and offers over 100 degree programs. The University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing traces its roots to 1920 when the nursing program was part of the School of Medicine. In 1973 it became an autonomous school and its name was later changed to the Sinclair School of Nursing in honor of Charles and Josie Smith Sinclair who provided the school with substantial financial support. The Accelerated Bachelors Degree in Nursing Program is a 15-month option for students who hold bachelors degrees in fields other than nursing. It begins in May and ends in July of the following year. To qualify for this second degree accelerated BSN program, the student must also have taken the 7 science and statistics prerequisite courses with a GPA of at least a “C”. The application deadline is in October.
University of Missouri- St. Louis
University of Missouri- St. Louis,
College of Nursing, One University Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63121,
314-516-6066
The University of Missouri- St. Louis is a public institution that is part of the University of Missouri System. It was established in 1960 as a junior college. It is now a comprehensive university organized into 9 schools and colleges, offering 54 bachelors degree programs, 37 masters degree programs, and 15 doctoral degree programs. The School of Nursing offers a 15-month BSN Accelerated Option designed for students who already have a bachelors degree in an area other than nursing, who have completed general education coursework. In order to be admitted to this BSN second degree program, the student must have completed the 17 prerequisite classes. The application deadlines are in September for Early Admit and in February for Final Admit. Preferential consideration is given to students who meet the Early Admit deadline.
William Jewell College
William Jewell College
500 College Hill, Liberty, MO 64068,
816-781-7700
William Jewell College is private, non-sectarian college located in Liberty, Missouri. It was founded in 1849 by Robert S. James, a Baptist minister, and other members of the Missouri Baptist Convention. The college was named in honor of Dr. William Jewell who provided funding to help establish it. William Jewell College maintained its affiliation with the Baptist Convention until 2003 when it became an independent school.
The School of Nursing at William Jewell College offers 3 options for obtaining the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including both a 12-month and 16-month BSN Accelerated Track. To qualify for an Accelerated Track, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 7 prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better in each of the classes. The application deadline is in August for the 12-month program and March for the 16-month program.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Montana
Montana State University College of Nursing, P.O. Box 173560, Bozeman, MT 59717-3560. Tel: 406-994-3783. Montana State University (MSU) is a public university located on a 1,170-acre campus on the south side of Bozeman, Montana. Four additional campuses are located in Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell, and Missoula. Founded in 1893 as the Agricultural College of the State of Montana, in 1965 the Montana State Assembly changed the school’s name to Montana State University in recognition of the its expansion over the years. MSU currently has 9 colleges and offers undergraduate degrees in 51 fields and graduate degrees in 59 fields.
The Montana State University College of Nursing offers programs on all 5 MSU campuses. The Accelerated BSN degree program was added in 2011 and is available at the Bozeman and Great Falls campuses. This 2nd degree BSN program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 15 months. This ABSN (Accelerated BSN) program is available only to students who already have earned a bachelors degree in a discipline other than nursing.
As this program is designed for students with little to no nursing experience, licensed practical nurses (LPN) and registered nurses (RN) are not encouraged to apply. In addition to having a bachelors degree, applicants must also have completed the following prerequisite courses: Introduction to Statistics, Human Nutrition, Lifespan Human Development, Introductory Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to General Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology I w/lab, Anatomy & Physiology II w/lab, Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry Principles and Microbiology for Health Sciences. The application deadline is in June.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Washington
University of Washington
The University of Washington is a public institution located on a 643-acre campus in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1861, it was originally known as the Territorial University of Washington. It is home to 16 academic divisions and enrolls over 40,000 students. The University of Washington School of Nursing offers the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program to students who have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. This BSN second degree program allows students to earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree after 5 quarters of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this ABSN (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 courses: Statistics, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology, General Microbiology, Nutrition, and Lifespan Growth and Development. The student must also have completed at least 100 hours of healthcare experience working with registered nurses within twelve months prior to applying. The application deadline is in October.
University of Washington
School of Nursing, Seattle, WA 98195,
206-543-2100
Accelerated BSN Programs in West Virginia
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public institution located in Morgantown, West Virginia. Founded in 1867, it was originally called the Agricultural College of West Virginia. It is home to 16 academic divisions and enrolls over 29,000 students.
The West Virginia University School of Nursing offers the BS-BA to BSN Program to students who have already earned a college degree in a field other than nursing. This BSN second degree program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 18 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program (ABSN), the student must have also completed the following prerequisite classes: English Composition 1 and 2, Biology, Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, Introductory Psychology, Introductory Sociology or Introductory Anthropology, Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan, Human Nutrition, and College Algebra. The application deadline is in September for January entry.
West Virginia University
School of Nursing, Morgantown, WV 26506,
304-293-0111
Wheeling Jesuit University
Wheeling Jesuit University
316 Washington Avenue, Wheeling, WV 26003,
800-624-6992
Wheeling Jesuit University is a private, Catholic institution located in Wheeling, West Virginia. Founded in 1954 by the Society of Jesus, it was originally called Wheeling College. Today the school has attained university status and enrolls over 1,200 students. The College of Nursing offers three options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The BA/BS to BSN Program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 18 months of intense classroom and clinical work. Clinical experiences take place at a variety of hospitals and healthcare facilities in the greater Wheeling area. To qualify for this accelerated BSN 2nd degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Wisconsin
Bellin College of Nursing
Bellin College of Nursing is a health sciences school located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Founded in 1909, it was originally called Deaconess Sanitarium Training School and offered a three-year diploma program. By 1984 the school had phased out the diploma program and began offering the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Today Bellin College of Nursing offers 3 options for earning the BSN degree. The 15-Month Option is designed for students who already have the required 60 undergraduate general education credits and now wish to pursue a career in nursing. It allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 15 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree (ABSN) 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 March for June entry.
Bellin College of Nursing
3201 Eaton Road, Green Bay, WI 54311,
920-433-6699
Edgewood College
Edgewood College
1000 Edgewood College Drive, Madison, WI 53711
608-663-4861
Edgewood College is a private, Catholic institution located in Madison, Wisconsin. Founded in 1927, it was originally a women’s 2-year college known as Edgewood Junior College. It now offers over 100 academic programs and enrolls over 2,500 men and women. The School of Nursing’s Post-Baccalaureate BSN program is designed for students who have already earned a non-nursing bachelors degree. This BSN 2nd degree program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 12 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. Clinical experiences take place at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics, The American Family Children’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center, the Veteran’s Administration Hospital and more than 25 other healthcare facilities in Dane county. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must also have completed the following prerequisite classes: College-level Statistics, General Psychology, Lifespan Development, Religious Studies, a Foreign Language, Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, and Microbiology. The application deadlines are in January and June.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
College of Nursing, 800 Algoma Blvd., Oshkosh, WI 54901
920-424-2121
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is a public institution located on a 173-acre campus in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Founded in 1871, it was originally called Oshkosh State Normal School, a teacher’s college. Today it is organized into 4 colleges and enrolls over 13,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The College of Nursing offers three options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Accelerated Online Bachelor’s to BSN Program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 12 months. Theory classes are held online, while clinicals are held at healthcare facilities in the student’s community and are supervised by College of Nursing staff. To qualify for this innovative accelerated BSN degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 12 prerequisite classes.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Wyoming
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming is a public university located in Laramie, Wyoming. It is organized into 9 colleges and schools and enrolls over 13,000 students. The School of Nursing at the University of Wyoming was established in 1951, and the first class graduated in 1954.
In 2003 the School of Nursing was renamed the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing after Roy Whitney made a $3 million gift to the university as a birthday gift his wife, Fay. The School of Nursing offers the BRAND (Bachelors Reach for Accelerated Nursing Degree)program to college graduates who now would like to pursue professional nursing careers. This 2nd degree BSN program allows students to earn a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree after 15 months. The program combines traditional classroom courses, online learning and clinical experiences. Clinical sites are located in Casper, Evanston, Gillette, Jackson, Laramie and Rock Springs. To qualify for this ABSN (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: Pathophysiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Microbiology, General Psychology, and Nutrition. The application deadline is in December.
University of Wyoming
School of Nursing, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, WY 82071,
307-766-4312
Accelerated BSN Programs in Alabama
Auburn University at Montgomery
101 Moore Hall, 7461 East Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117. Tel: 334-244-3658.
Auburn University Montgomery (AUM) is located on a 500-acre campus seven miles east of downtown Montgomery, Alabama. It was founded in 1967 as a separately administrated branch campus of Auburn University.
Known for its challenging curricula, AUM was recognized by The Princeton Review as the “Best Southeastern College.” Established in 1979 with an objective to train professional nurses to provide patient-centered, evidence-based care for culturally diverse populations, the Auburn University at Montgomery School of Nursing offers several nursing degree programs, including the Accelerated Nursing Degree Program (AND). This accelerated BSN program allows students who have already earned a bachelors degree in another field to quickly begin nursing careers after completing the professional nursing training curriculum in three semesters and one summer term of study. To qualify for admission, the applicant must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 and must complete the prerequisite pre-nursing courses. The application deadline is May 10.
Samford University
Samford University
800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229,
205-726-2011
Samford University was founded in1841by the Alabama Baptist Convention. It was originally called Howard College, named after British philanthropist John Howard. As a Christian university, Samford cultivates intellectual, vocational, and ethical proficiency while promoting service to others, and social and civic responsibility. The Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing (IVMSON) at Samford University was established in1922 by the Birmingham Baptist Association. In 1955, IVMSON became the first program in Alabama to be accredited by the National League for Nursing. The nursing program transferred to Samford University in 1973 following a merger agreement with the Baptist Health System. IVMSON offers a number of nursing degree programs, including the 15-month Accelerated Second Degree BSN option. The 2nd Degree BSN is designed for students who have earned a bachelors degree in another field. Students enrolled in this accelerated BSN program have intense clinical and classroom experiences and must attend summer classes. Upon graduation from this accelerated second degree BSN Program, the graduate is eligible to take the licensing examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). To qualify for admission into this accelerated BSN program the applicant must also have completed all prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.0 in each course. An interview is required. The application deadline is February 15.
The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama
Capstone College of Nursing, Box 870358, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0358,
(800) 313-3591
The University of Alabama (UA) is a public university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Founded in 1831, it is the original and largest university in the University of Alabama System. It is fondly and proudly known as the “Capstone” of the Alabama public college system. The University of Alabama has consistently ranked as a top 50 public university in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report, and in 2011 had the highest ranking of any university in the state of Alabama. In addition to its excellent academic programs, the UA also offers a complete cultural and social experience.
The Capstone College of Nursing of the UA prepares students with the scientific and practical foundation to enter careers in nursing. In addition to the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, Capstone offers the Second Degree program for students who already have a bachelors degree in another field and now wish to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing degree. Through this accelerated 2nd degree BSN program, students can complete the classroom and clinical BSN requirements in 5 semesters. To qualify for admission into this BSN second degree program the applicant must have also completed the prerequisite coursework. The application deadline is March 15.
University of North Alabama
University at North Alabama
1 Harrison Plaza, Florence, AL 35632,
256- 765-4100
The University of North Alabama (UNA) is Alabama’s oldest four-year public university. Occupying 130 acres in Florence, Tuscumbia, Sheffield and Muscle Shoals, the UNA was originally founded as LaGrange College in 1830 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. Since its establishment the University of North Alabama has developed into an influential regional university that provides a wide array of educational opportunities for students through undergraduate and graduate programs in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Nursing and Health. UNA has an enrolment of over 7,100 students each year and boasts over 50,000 alumni in Alabama, the southeast and all over the world.
The University of North Alabama College of Nursing & Allied Health was established in 1973 with a commitment to providing quality and accessible nurse education opportunities. In addition to its Traditional BSN program, the UNA also offers an Accelerated BSN alternative program. This ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree program allows students to complete the classroom and clinical requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 15 months. To qualify for admission into this BSN the applicant must have a non-nursing bachelors degree and must have completed the prerequisite classes. The application deadline is January 31.
University of South Alabama
University of South Alabama
College of Nursing, HAHN 3068, 5721 USA Drive N., Mobile, AL 36688,
251- 445-9500
The University of South Alabama (USA) is a public university located in Mobile, Alabama. It was created in 1963 by the Alabama legislature, replacing the extension school programs operated in Mobile by the University of Alabama. It is the only major public university in the upper gulf coast. USA is divided into ten different schools, with an enrollment of approximately 15,000. It is particularly known for its medical research and health-related programs at the College of Allied Health Professions, College of Medicine, College of Nursing and Auburn School of Pharmacy. The College of Nursing offers several different degree programs, including a special Accelerated BSN track for highly motivated students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. The Accelerated BSN Nursing program is based at the Baldwin County campus. It is a 12- month program at the end of which students are awarded the BSN degree. Admission to this BSN accelerated program is very competitive and selective. Applicants must have already earned a bachelors degree in another field and must also have completed all prerequisite courses. An interview may be required, during which an assessment will be made of the applicant’s verbal communication skills. The application deadline is April 1 to begin in July and August 1 to begin in January.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Arizona
Brookline College Brookline College was founded in 1979 as the Arizona Institute of Business and Technology offering business and technical programs. Its mission was to provide quality educational programs with innovative approaches that support a diverse student body and provide the academic, professional and cognitive skills for successful integration into the workplace.
In 2009 the institution was renamed Brookline College. It has campuses in Phoenix, Tucson, Tempe and Albuquerque and offers online degree programs. Brookline College offers a nursing program that helps prepare students for careers in nursing that will require them to plan and implement nursing care in a variety of settings. In addition to the traditional BSN degree program, Brookline College also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Baccalaureate Degree Graduates program that allows those who already have an undergraduate degree in a field other than nursing to be eligible to sit for the registered nurse licensure examination after only 15 – 16 months of education. This accelerated BSN program is offered at the Phoenix and Albuquerque campuses and involves a limited amount of classroom learning in order to maximize clinical experiences at premier hospitals and healthcare facilities. To qualify for admission applicants must also have received at least a 75% on the HESI Admission Assessment Examination and must have completed the prerequisite course work prior to admission.
Brookline College Phoenix Campus
2445 W. Dunlap Avenue, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85021-5820
Tel: 602-242-6265
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a Christian university owned by Grand Canyon Education and located in Phoenix, Arizona. GCU was created in 1949 by Arizona Southern Baptists. Grand Canyon Education, Inc. bought Grand Canyon University in February 2004. GCU provides both graduate and undergraduate campus-based and online education in several fields of study.
Through its College of Nursing, Grand Canyon University offers over 20 different undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. GCU has joined in a partnership with St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center (SJHMC) to offer an on-site fast track Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. This ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program allows students with Bachelors degrees to complete the classroom and clinical work to achieve a BSN in 20 months. To qualify for admission to this accelerated BSN program, the applicant must also have completed the prerequisite coursework.
Grand Canyon University
3300 West Camelback Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017,
Tel: 602-639-7500
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a public university based in Flagstaff, Arizona. Established in 1899, it was originally named the Northern Arizona Normal School. In 1966 the Arizona Board of Regents recommended that the school change its name to Northern Arizona University. Today NAU has approximately 5,000 students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus and has more than 30 statewide locations. It offers nearly 150 combined undergraduate and graduate degree programs and offers online degree programs. At NAU the School of Nursing is part of the College of Health and Human Services. It offers both a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and an Accelerated BSN program for students who have earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The program allows qualified students to earn a BSN in 12-months of rigorous classroom and clinical education. The requirements for admission to this 2nd degree Accelerated BSN program include having a minimum Kaplan test score of 70, with at least a 60 in the science portion. The applicant must also have completed the prerequisite coursework. The program is very competitive, admitting only 30 students per year.
Northern Arizona University
South San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86011,
Tel: 928-523-9011
Accelerated BSN Programs in Arkansas
Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, PO Box 910, Jonesboro, AR 72467-0910. Tel: 870-972-3074.
Arkansas State University (ASU) is a public university located in Jonesboro, Arkansas and is part of the Arkansas State University System. In 1909, the Arkansas legislature created ASU as an agricultural training school called First District Agricultural School. In 1967 the Arkansas Legislature promoted the school to university status and changed its name to Arkansas State University.
Today ASU has over 13,000 students and offers 43 different degrees in 156 fields of study. The ASU College of Nursing and Health Professions offers several undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including a Second Bachelor’s Degree Accelerated option. This accelerated 2nd degree BSN program allows students who have already earned a bachelors degree in another field to earn a BSN degree in one year. To qualify for this second degree ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, the applicant must also have completed the required prerequisite course work. Special consideration will be given to applicants who are proficient in Spanish and to those who have a degree in a clinical health care field. The application deadline is March 15.
Accelerated BSN Programs in California
California State University, Northridge 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330. Tel: 818-677-1200.
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is a public university in the Northridge neighborhood of the San Fernando Valley. CSUN is part of the California State University (CSU) system. It was founded first as a satellite campus of California State Los Angeles, but became an independent college in 1958 named San Fernando Valley State College. In 1972 the school was renamed California State University, Northridge.
CSUN offers a variety of undergraduate nursing degrees through its College of Health and Human Development. The Accelerated BS in Nursing provides a pathway for those with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing to become registered nurses in an abbreviated, intense schedule. Coursework and clinicals required to earn the BSN degree are completed within four semesters. Upon completion of this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, graduates will be able to begin nursing careers with the ability to convey information in the professional context, guide decision-making using scientific and humanistic perspectives and demonstrate the ability to implement the delivery of nursing services in a variety of settings. To qualify for admission, the applicant must have a bachelors degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. The applicant must have completed all prerequisite pre-nursing courses with at least a “C” in each course. The application deadline is December 1.
California State University, Sacramento
California State University, Sacramento
6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819,
916-278-6011
California State University, Sacramento (Cal Sac) is a public university located in Sacramento, California. It is part of the California State University system. It was founded in 1947 as Sacramento State College. In 1960 Sacramento State became part of the California State University, and changed its name to California State University, Sacramento in 1971. Cal Sac is located on a 300-acre campus that includes miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails along the American River Parkway. Currently, the university has a total enrollment of approximately 29,000 students and has seven different colleges offering 60 different undergraduate degrees and over 50 graduate degrees.
Together with California State University, Stanislaus, Cal Sac offers a joint Accelerated Second Bachelor of Science in Pre-Licensure Nursing program for students who already have a bachelors degree in a different field. The program utilizes curriculum models and instruction from both schools. This Accelerated BSN program allows the motivated student to complete the requirements for a BSN degree after 16 months of full-time, intensive classroom and clinical work. A portion of the classroom instruction is completed online. Students complete clinical rotations at healthcare facilities near Sac State. To qualify for admission to this accelerated 2nd degree BSN program, the applicant must also have completed the prerequisite pre-nursing courses. The application deadline is February 1.
California State University, San Marcos
California State University, San Marcos
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd., San Marcos, CA 92096,
760-750-4000
California State University, San Marcos (Cal State San Marcos) is a public university that is part of the California State University system. Founded in 1989, Cal State San Marcos offers 44 undergraduate programs and 11 graduate programs on a technology-rich campus. Cal State San Marcos started its School of Nursing in 2006 at its College of Education, Health and Human Services. Funded by a grant from the Kaiser Foundation, Cal State San Marcos now offers an innovative Accelerated BS in Nursing program that provides a pathway for those with a bachelors degree to earn a BSN in an abbreviated, intense 24-month schedule. This accelerated 2nd degree BSN program requires 78 units of study, including 27 units of clinic work. To be eligible for admission to this BSN accelerated program, applicants must also complete the Pre-Nursing Core classes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with a program start date in August.
Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine
1530 Concordia West, Irvine, California 92612,
818-677-1200
Concordia University Irvine is a private, liberal arts university established in 1972 as Christ College. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church. In 1993 it became a part of the national Concordia University system, and its name was changed to Concordia University Irvine. The undergraduate Nursing Program at Concordia University Irvine includes a Second Degree Accelerated BSN program for students with a bachelors degree who want to join the nursing profession. This accelerated second degree BSN program allows students to complete the requirements for a BSN in 3 semesters. The program includes 90 clinical hours in a public health facility in order to prepare students to apply for the California Public Health Certificate. To qualify for admission into this accelerated BSN program, applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirements in both their undergraduate coursework and program prerequisite coursework. The application deadlines are February 1 and June 1.
Loma Linda University
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330,
818-677-1200
Loma Linda University (LLU) is a private, health sciences university located in Southern California. Established in 1906 by Seventh Day Adventists, Loma Linda University seeks to integrate science, health and Christianity to further the healing ministry of Christ. LLU has eight different schools and offers over 55 different programs. The School of Nursing has been in existence from the time that LLU was established. It now offers both undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees, including the BA/BS to BS track. The BA/BS to BS track is geared to students who have a bachelors degree, but have decided to pursue a nursing career. The BA/BS to BS track is an accelerated program that allows participants to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 5 quarters. For admission, students are required to take the prerequisite coursework. Like the other BSN programs at LLU, this accelerated BSN program prepares candidates for professional nursing careers in both community and acute settings. The application deadlines are March 31, August 15 and November 1.
Mount Saint Mary’s College
Mount Saint Mary’s College
12001 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049,
(310) 954-4000
Mount St. Mary’s College (the Mount) is a private, Catholic university located in Los Angeles. Founded in 1925 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Mount St. Mary’s undergraduate program is open to women, while its professional programs, including its nursing programs are open to both men and women. The nursing program at Mount Saint Mary’s College was the first to offer a Bachelors of Science in Nursing program in the state of California. Currently, in addition to the traditional BSN Program, the Mount also offers the Accelerated Baccalaureate Nursing Program. Using the same curriculum as the traditional BSN program, this accelerated BSN degree program allows the student to earn a BSN in 12 months. The program consists of an intense, condensed schedule that begins in May and ends in May of the following year. To qualify for this second degree BSN program, students must also have taken the prerequisite classes and receive at least an 84% on the Department of Nursing Math Test. The application deadlines are March 15 and November 1.
National University
National University
11255 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037,
800-628-8648
National University was established in 1971 to provide affordable access to quality, relevant education to a diverse, local community of students. Since then, it has grown to become the second-largest private, nonprofit university in California. Focusing on the adult learner, NU offers over 100 degrees, certificate and credential programs, including 35 online degree programs and over 300 online courses. NU has several campuses in San Diego County as well as regional locations throughout California.
To meet the increasing demand for nurses in the state of California, the NU’s Department of Nursing offers several undergraduate nursing degree programs designed to teach therapeutic and critical thinking skills to prepare students to work effectively in a multicultural environment. NU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Accelerated Post-Bachelor Degree program allows qualified students to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on an intense, abbreviated schedule. It is offered at the San Diego, Los Angeles, Fresno and Sherman Oaks Campuses. In addition to meeting the undergraduate admission requirements for NU and the pre-nursing course requirements, the admission requirements include completing a proctored written essay.
Samuel Merritt University
Samuel Merritt University
3100 Summit Street, 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94609,
510-869-6511
Samuel Merritt University (SMU), formerly Samuel Merritt College, is a private institution that was founded in 1909 as a hospital based nursing school affiliated with Samuel Merritt Hospital. Both Samuel Merritt College and Samuel Merritt Hospital were named in memory of Dr. Samuel Merritt, a physician and one time mayor of Oakland, California. SMU is currently affiliated with Sutter Health and Alta Bates Summit Medical Center and has campuses in Oakland, Sacramento and San Mateo.
SMU is a health sciences university offering degrees in several health-related fields, including nursing. The School of Nursing is nationally recognized for its clinical and academic excellence. It provides more new registered nurses in California than any other school. Among several degree program offered by the School of Nursing, SMU offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing that allows students to achieve a BSN degree after a 12-month intensive academic program. To qualify for admission, students must complete the prerequisite coursework and submit three separate writing samples. The application deadline varies by campus: Oakland (September 1), Sacramento (July1), and San Mateo (July 1 and September 1). However, applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Colorado
Colorado Christian University 8787 West Alameda Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80226. Tel: 800-443-2484.
Colorado Christian University (CCU), formerly known as the Denver Bible Institute, is a nondenominational, private Christian university established in 1914. CCU strives to offer academic excellence in a Christ-centered community. CCU’s main campus is located in Lakewood, Colorado, 10 miles west of Denver. CCU also has regional campuses throughout Colorado and offers online degree programs. There are now over 3,500 students enrolled at CCU in over 50 programs.
Through the College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS), CCU offers a Pre-Licensure BSN program for adult learners who wish to pursue careers as licensed, professional nurses. Depending on the student’s previous academic experience, this accelerated BSN program may take up to 3 years to complete. In order to be admitted into the program, the student must first apply to the CAGS and demonstrate successful completion of General Education coursework and Biological Science coursework. Then the student must apply to the nursing program. Applications for admission to CAGS are reviewed on a rolling basis. The nursing program application deadline is in July.
Colorado State University, Pueblo
Colorado State University, Pueblo
6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95819,
916-278-6011
Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo) is a part of the Colorado State University System. CSU-Pueblo occupies a 275-acre campus in the culturally rich city of Pueblo, near the Rocky Mountains and a short distance from Colorado Springs and Denver. CSU-Pueblo was established in 1933 as Southern Colorado Junior College. By 1985 the school was known as the University of Southern Colorado and was integrated into the Colorado State University System. In 2003 the name was changed to Colorado State University-Pueblo. The academic programs at CSU-Pueblo focus on Health and Science, Public Service, Quality of Life, Business and Technology and Education.
The Department of Nursing offers the Degree Plus to BSN Nursing Accelerated Option for students seeking a career as a licensed nurse, who already have a bachelors degree in another field. This BSN Accelerated nursing program allows the student to complete 14 months of intensive classroom and clinical work, culminating in receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. For admission to the 2nd Degree BSN program at CSU-Pueblo, in addition to having a bachelor’s degree, the student must also have completed prerequisite coursework in behavioral, social and natural sciences. The application deadline is in May.
Denver School of Nursing
Denver School of Nursing
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202
303-894-2430
The Denver School of Nursing (DSN) is a private institution established in 2003 with a mission of providing diverse educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in nursing and other health-related fields. The DSN is owned by Baltimore, Maryland based Education Affiliates, Inc. It is located in the Lodo section of downtown Denver. Among several degree programs, the DSN offers the BSN Completion Option to professionals who have earned a bachelors or associate degree in another discipline, but wish to pursue a nursing career. The DSN’s BSN accelerated nursing program requires seven quarters of clinical and class study that typically takes 21 months of full-time attendance. As part of the application process to this accelerated BSN Degree program, the admissions committee will review each candidate’s transcript to determine how many prerequisite course credits the candidate will be able to transfer. The application deadlines are January 1, April, July 1 and October 1.
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Metropolitan State University of Denver
890 Auraria Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204,
303-556-2400
Metropolitan State University of Denver (Metro State) is a public university located in the Auraria neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. It was founded in1965 by the Colorado legislature. Metro State is now organized into 4 colleges and offers over 100 degrees and certificate programs. The Department of Nursing at Metro State offers an Accelerated Option program that allows students to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 17 months of full-time study. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must already have a bachelors degree in another field and must also have completed the prerequisite coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The application deadline is September 1.
Regis University
Regis University
3333 Regis Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 8022,
800-388-2366
Regis University is a private, Jesuit university based in Denver, Colorado. Originally known as Las Vegas College, it was established in 1877 in Las Vegas, New Mexico and moved to Morrison, Colorado in 1884. Currently located in Denver, Regis has three colleges: Regis College, College for Professional Studies and Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions. Following the Jesuit tradition, Regis University provides a value-centered learning experience that gives students the tools to become leaders and positively impact in the community.
The nursing program at Regis University began in 1988 when Loretto Heights College became a part of Regis University to form the Loretto Heights School of Nursing (LHSON), a part of the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions. To meet the needs of students who have a bachelors degree, but seek a career change, LHSON offers the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In this second degree BSN program students complete the nursing clinical and classroom work after three 15-week semesters. Admission requirements also include completing prerequisite coursework and meeting all of the undergraduate admission requirements of Regis University.
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80918,
719-255-8227
The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a public institution that is part of the University of Colorado System. The University of Colorado has held classes at various locations in Colorado Springs since the 1920s. With the help of David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, in 1965 UCCS found a permanent location in the Cragmor neighborhood of Colorado Springs. The Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Science was established in 1904 and merged with UCCS in 1997. Beth-El College offers 7 different programs leading to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Accelerated Option. This 16-month accelerated BSN nursing program is for bachelors degree holding students who wish to earn a second bachelors degree in nursing. To qualify for admission to this accelerated BSN program, the student must also have completed the general education and nursing prerequisite classes. The application deadlines are November 1 and December 1.
University of Colorado Denver
University of Colorado Denver
13120 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045,
303-724-1812
Founded in 1912, the University of Colorado Denver (UCD) is one of the three public universities that make up the University of Colorado System. UCD has two campuses: the Denver campus, also known as the Auraria Campus and the Anschutz Medical Campus. The Auraria campus is located in the Auraria section of downtown Denver. The campus is shared with the Community College of Denver and the Metropolitan State College of Denver. The Anschutz Medical Campus is located in Aurora, Colorado on the site of the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. It is home to UCD’s health sciences-related schools, including the College of Nursing.
The College of Nursing offers three different paths to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This top accelerated BSN program is designed for students with a bachelors degree and now seek to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. To qualify for admission to this highly competitive and intensive accelerated 2nd degree BSN program, within 10 years prior to applying, the student must have completed the prerequisite coursework including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, general chemistry and statistics. The application deadlines are June 15 for the spring semester and October 15 for the summer semester.
University of Northern Colorado
University of Northern Coloradao
School of Nursing, Gunter Hall 3080, Box 125, Greeley, CO 80639,
970-351-2293
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is a public university founded in 1889 as a teacher’s college called the State Normal School of Colorado. Since then, the school changed its focus and expanded its curricula to include over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs. To reflect these changes, in1975 the school changed its name to the University of Northern Colorado. Its 240-acre campus is located in Greeley, Colorado, with easy access to Denver.
UNC’s School of Nursing is part of the College of Natural and Health Science. The School of Nursing teaches its students to treat patients holistically and to strive to allow the patient to be active in the decisions related to his or her care. The School of Nursing offers three routes to attain the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Second Degree Program. Designed for students who already have a college degree, this accelerated second degree BSN program allows the qualified student to complete the requirements for a BSN in 20 months. To qualify for admission to this accelerated BSN program (ABSN), the student must have completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) coursework and be able demonstrate that he or she will have taken all of the School of Nursing prerequisite coursework prior to beginning the program. The application deadline is in January of each year.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Connecticut
Fairfield University 1073 N. Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Tel: 203-254-4000.
Fairfield University is a private, Jesuit school founded in 1942 by the Society of Jesus. It is located on a 200-acre campus in Fairfield, Connecticut. The mission of Fairfield University is to both foster religious and ethical values and to develop the intellectual potential of its students. It offers over 80 graduate and undergraduate degree programs in 10 schools.
The Fairfield University School of Nursing offers an Accelerated Second Degree Program that allows students who have a bachelors degree in another field to achieve a BSN after 15 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for admissions to this 2nd degree BSN program, the applicant must have completed all general education coursework required to receive an undergraduate degree from Fairfield University, as well as basic science coursework. The application deadline is November 1 for June enrollment.
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University
275 Mount Carmel Ave., Hamden, CT 06518,
203-582-8200
Quinnipiac University is a private university in Hamden, Connecticut. It is located at the foot of Sleeping Giant Mountain, 8 miles from New Haven and less than 2 hours from New York City. It was founded in 1929 as Connecticut College of Commerce by Samuel W. Tator. In 1951 it was renamed Quinnipiac College after the Quinnipiac Indian tribe. After expanding its academic programs, the school’s name became Quinnipiac University in 2000. Quinnipiac currently offers undergraduate and graduate programs through five colleges and schools.
The School of Nursing is located on Quinnipiac’s North Haven campus in a 180,000 square foot facility that it shares with the School of Health Sciences. In addition to its traditional path to achieving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Quinnipiac’s School of Nursing offers an Accelerated BSN for Second Degree Students. This ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program uses a curriculum based on the student’s prior academic preparation, allowing the nursing BSN requirements to be completed in one calendar year of full-time study. The application deadline is January 2.
Southern Connecticut State University
Southern Connecticut State University
501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515,
203-392-5200
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is one of the four universities that are part of the Connecticut State University System. Its campus is in the West Rock neighborhood of New Haven. Since its establishment in 1893 as New Haven State Normal School, a 2-year training school for teachers, Southern Connecticut State University has grown into a modern, diversified university offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and employing over 700 faculty members.
The Department of Nursing graduated its first class of 13 students in 1973. Since then the school has grown to offer both undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees, including the Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) program. The ACE program is an accelerated BSN program that allows qualified students to complete the requirements to earn a BSN in 12 consecutive months. To qualify for this full-time program, the student must already have a bachelors degree and have completed the 8 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is August 1. However, because of the competitiveness of this program, only the first 120 applications received will be reviewed.
The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a public university founded in 1881 by Charles and Augustus Storrs. It was originally called the Storrs Agricultural School. The name of the school was changed in 1939 to the University of Connecticut to reflect the shift in curriculum to a liberal arts focus. The main campus is located in Storrs, Connecticut with five regional campuses: Avery Point, Greater Hartford, Stamford, Torrington, and Waterbury. UConn now offers over 100 majors and 24 undergraduate and graduate degrees.
The School of Nursing was founded in 1942. Among its several degree programs, the School of Nursing offers the Master’s Entry into Nursing (MbEIN) – Accelerated Pre-Licensure program. This accelerated BSN program is offered at the Storrs, Avery Point, Waterbury and Stamford campuses and is designed for students who have a already earned a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing. It allows such students to earn a BSN degree and to qualify to take the RN licensure exam after one calendar year of study. To qualify for this program, the student must complete the prerequisite science and statistics coursework. The application deadlines are January 31, June 30 and August 31.
University of Saint Joseph Connecticut
University of Saint Joseph Connecticut
1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117,
860-232-4571
The University of Saint Joseph Connecticut is a private, Catholic institution founded in 1932 by the Sister of Mercy with a mission to establish a liberal arts college for women. It is located in West Hartford, Connecticut about 100 miles from Boston and 100 miles from New York City. It offers undergraduate degrees to women and graduate degrees to men and women.
The Department of Nursing at University of Saint Joseph offers several options for students to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Second Degree Program. This accelerated BSN program is designed to give students who already have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than nursing the opportunity to earn a BSN on an accelerated schedule. Students must have completed 3 of the 5 science prerequisite classes prior to applying for admission. Applicants are not permitted to retake prerequisite science classes due to a low grade. The application deadline is February 15.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Washington DC
The Catholic University of America 620 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 20064. Tel: 202-319-5000. The Catholic University of America (CUA) is a private, Catholic university located on 193 acres in the Brookland neighborhood of Washington, DC. It was founded in 1887 by the U.S. Catholic bishops with the consent of Pope Leo XIII as a research and graduate studies institution. It is the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States. Catholic University began to offer undergraduate degrees in 1904. Continuing its mission to combine academic excellence with Catholic spirituality, the CUA now offers over 240 undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Among several degree programs, the School of Nursing offers a five semester undergraduate Second Degree Program option leading to the BSN degree. This 2nd degree BSN program is open to students who, within 10 years of applying, have earned a bachelors, masters or doctorate degree in a field other than nursing, and who have completed the prerequisite coursework. The application deadline is May 15. However, students are encouraged to apply early as admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis for this competitive program.
George Washington University
George Washington University
2030 M Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20036,
202-994-7901
George Washington University (GW) is a private university located on 43 acres in the Foggy Bottom section of Washington, DC. It was established by Congress in 1821 as The Columbian College in the District of Columbia. Following an agreement with the George Washington Memorial Association, in 1904 the Columbian changed its name to George Washington University. In addition to its main campus in Washington, DC, GW has two other campuses: Mount Vernon and Virginia. GW is made up of 10 schools and colleges and offers online learning opportunities. The newest school is the School of Nursing.
The first nursing school at GW opened in 1903. After experiencing many changes over the next 100 years, including closing for a time due to the effects of the Depression, in 2010 a new GW School of Nursing opened, and in 2011 the US News & World Report ranked it a top 50 nursing school. The School of Nursing offers the 4 semester, 15-month Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing to students who have earned a bachelors degree in major other than nursing. Classes for GW’s second degree BSN nursing program are held at the Ashburn, Virginia campus. To be eligible for admission to this accelerated BSN program, the student must have earned a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 and must have completed the following prerequisite coursework: Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, Nutrition, and Ethics. The application deadline is February 15.
Howard University
Howard University
620 Michigan Ave., N.E., Washington, DC 20064,
202-806-7456
Howard University is a private, historically black university located on 256 acres in Northwest Washington, DC. It was founded in 1869 by General Oliver Otis Howard, a Civil War hero, to educate African-American clergy. It soon expanded to include liberal arts and medical curricula. Howard now has grown to 13 schools and colleges and offers and over 100 degree programs, and enjoys a diverse study body. The College of Nursing and Allied Health, Division of Nursing at Howard offers 4 tracks to achieve a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Advanced Placement Track is designed for students who have earned a bachelors degree, allowing the student to complete the coursework and clinical for the BSN on an accelerated schedule. To qualify for admission to this second degree BSN program, the applicant must also have completed all prerequisite classes.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Delaware
University of Delaware 150 South College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716. Tel: 302-831-2805. The University of Delaware (UD) is public institution located in Newark, Delaware. It is the largest university in the state of Delaware. Founded in 1743 in New London, Pennsylvania by Rev. Dr. Francis Alison, the school relocated to Newark in 1765 and in 1921 became the University of Delaware. UD is currently organized into seven colleges and three schools. It offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The Department of Nursing was established in 1962 as a part of the College of Arts and Sciences and became the College of Nursing in 1966. Today the School of Nursing is part of the College of Health Sciences. To accommodate the needs of students and the nursing profession, the School of Nursing established multiple paths for achieving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. In 1994 it created the Accelerated 2nd Degree program for adult learners with a bachelor’s degree in a major other than nursing. This second degree BSN program requires 17 months of full-time study. All prerequisite science artwork must have been completed within 10 years of applying to this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program.The application deadline is April 1.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Florida
Barry University 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161. Tel: 305-899-3800. Barry University is a private, Catholic institution located on a 122-acre campus in Miami Shores, Florida, a suburb of Miami. It is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami. Founded in 1940 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, Barry University was initially a college for women known as Barry College for Women.
It was named after Mother Mary Gerald Barry who served as the school’s president from 1940-1961. After expanding its curriculum to offer several graduate programs and opening these programs to both men and women, in 1981 the school was renamed Barry University.
The Barry University Division of Nursing offers a quality academic experience in an environment that values diversity, creativity and spirituality. It admitted its first students in 1953. Since then, the Division of Nursing program has expanded to offer 3 paths to achieving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the addition of the Accelerated Option in 1983. This accelerated BSN program is designed for students with bachelors degrees who want to change careers to nursing. The program allows students to earn a BSN after 15 months of full-time study. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program the student must complete all 12 prerequisite classes prior to matriculation. The program is offered only on Barry’s Miami Shores Campus. The application deadline is October 15.
Chamberlain College of Nursing is a for-profit, private nursing school based in Downers Grove, Illinois, with several locations across the United States, including in Jacksonville, Florida. It was established in 1889 as the Deaconess School of Nursing. In 2005 Deaconess was acquired by DeVry, Inc. In addition to its traditional BSN program, Chamberlain also offers a Second Degree BSN Option to adult learners who have already earned a bachelors degree in another field. This accelerated BSN program uses the same curriculum as its traditional BSN program, but is designed so that students can complete the program in 13 months. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, in addition to having a bachelors degree, the student must also have completed the 16 prerequisite coursework. The application deadline varies by location.
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Atlantic University
777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL 33431,
561-297-3000
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is a public university located on 5,860 acres in Boca Raton, Florida on the site of the former Boca Raton Army Airfield. It has six satellite campuses in southeast Florida. FAU was founded in 1964 by the Florida legislature with 867 students in five colleges. FAU now has ten colleges and over 28,000 students.
The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing was created in 1979 and was originally a Division of the College of Social Sciences. In 1990 it became a separate college. It is named to honor Christine E. Lynn who, along with her late husband, Gene M. Lynn, provided financial support to help fund the establishment of the College of Nursing. The BSN Accelerated Program was introduced in 2003. This accelerated BSN program is designed for students with bachelors degrees who wish to become a registered nurses. The program allows students to earn a BSN in after 12 months of intense, full-time study. To qualify for this accelerated BSN degree program, the student must complete all 10 prerequisite science and statistics classes prior to matriculation. The program is offered only at the Boca Raton Campus. The application deadline is in November and classed begin in May.
Florida State University
Florida State University
98 Varsity Way, MC 4310, Tallahassee, FL 32306,
850-644-3296
Florida State University (FSU) is a public university located on a 451-acre campus in Tallahassee, Florida. It is part of the Florida State University System. FSU dates back to 1951 when the Florida legislature authorized the establishment of West Florida Seminary. A new charter was issued in 1883, making West Florida Seminary a part of Florida University. FSU now has 16 colleges and offers over 275 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
FSU’s School of Nursing admitted its first class of BSN candidates in 1950. Since then the School of Nursing has grown to offer both undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees, with different paths to achieving those degrees. The Accelerated BSN program is available to highly motivated students with bachelors degrees who desire a career change. The program provides qualified students with the same academic and clinical experience as the traditional BSN program on an accelerated, intensive 12-month schedule. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must also have completed all 13 nursing prerequisite classes. The application deadline is February 1 for fall admission.
Jacksonville University
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211,
904-256-7000
Jacksonville University (JU) is a private university located in the Arlington neighborhood of Jacksonville, Florida, near the St. Johns River. It was founded in 1834 by William J. Porter as a two-year college called William J. Porter University. By 1958 the school has expanded its curriculum to offer four-year degree programs and changed its name to Jacksonville University. JU is now has six colleges and offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The School of Nursing at Jacksonville University prepares students to practice nursing in complex health care environments, with an emphasis on diversity, clinical experience and caring. It offers a 2nd Degree BSN program to students with a bachelors degree seeking a career change. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 16 months of full-time study. To qualify for this BSN second degree program, the student must also have completed the prerequisite classes. The prerequisites include: Human Anatomy & Physiology, General Chemistry with lab, Microbiology, Human Nutrition, Human Growth and Development and Statistics. The application deadline is December 1.
Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College
300 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33132,
305-237-8888
Miami Dade College is a public institution located in Miami, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System. Founded in 1959 as Dade County Junior College with a mission to provide a college education to anyone who desired one, it was Florida’s first integrated junior college. Over the next twenty years the school grew to one of the largest colleges in the Florida, offering over 50 degrees and certificates. In 2003 it began to offer four-year degrees and changed its name to Miami Dade College.
The Miami Dade College School of Nursing offers several tracks to achieve the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated Option. This accelerated BSN program is designed for students with bachelors degrees who desire to become registered nurses. It exempts the student from taking the General Education courses and allows the student to earn a BSN after one year of full-time study. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, the student must have completed the seven prerequisite classes. The application deadline is May for the Fall term and September 1 for the Spring term.
University of Central Florida
University of Central Florida
4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, FL 32816,
305-899-3800
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a public institution located on a 1,415-acre campus near downtown Orlando, Florida. UCF was founded in 1963 by the Florida legislature as the Florida Technological University to train students for careers at the nearby Kennedy Space Center. The school changed its name to the University of Central Florida in 1978 to reflect its expanded academic focus. UCF now offers over 200 degree programs through twelve colleges and several campuses.
The College of Nursing at UCF was created in 1979 and offers several undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN after four consecutive semesters of full-time study. The program includes classroom learning as well as service and clinical requirements in culturally diverse, medically underserved areas. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must also have completed the nursing prerequisite coursework. The program is offered only at the Orlando Campus. The application deadline is January 15.
University of Florida
University of Florida
201 Criser Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611,
352-392-1365
The University of Florida (UF) is public institution located on a1200-acre campus in Gainesville, Florida. Founded in 1853 as East Florida Seminary, the University of Florida evolved into a nationally respected institution with 16 colleges and over 200 undergraduate majors and graduate degree programs.
The College of Nursing at UF has the oldest BSN program in Florida. As part of the J. Hillis Miller Health Science Center, the College of Nursing offers its students a unique opportunity to access the resources of a network of interdisciplinary health facilities and programs. The College of Nursing offers both a generic BSN program and an Accelerated BSN program. This second degree accelerated BSN program is designed for students with non-nursing bachelors degrees who want a career change. The program allows students to earn a BSN after completing a shortened, intensive course of full-time study. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must complete seven prerequisite classes prior to matriculation. The application deadline is February 1.
University of Miami
University of Miami
5501 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146,
305-284-2211
The University of Miami is a private institution located in Coral Gables, Florida. It was founded in 1925 by a group of local residents who believed that a university was needed to benefit the Miami community. In 2011 Worth magazine named the University of Miami the most fiscally-responsible nonprofit organization in the United States. It is currently organized into twelve colleges and schools and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies was established in 1948, making it the oldest nursing program in South Florida. Committed to service to society, the School of Nursing has developed curricula that is community-based and that emphasizes cultural competency. It offers six undergraduate degree programs, including the addition of the Accelerated BSN that allows students to earn a BSN in after 12 months of full-time study. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must complete all 8 prerequisite classes prior to admission. Students must receive a C or better in each of the prerequisite classes and may only repeat 1 class. The application deadlines are March 1 for May entry and October 1 for January entry.
University of North Florida
University of North Florida
1 UNF Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32224,
904-620-1000
The University of North Florida (UNF) is a public institution located on 1381 acres of lakes and nature trails near downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 1969, it is part of the State University System of Florida. UNF is currently organized into five colleges and offers over 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The Brooks College of Health at the University of North Florida opened in 1988. It offers degree programs in several health fields, including three options for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), each with a community-based curriculum that emphasizes clinical experiences and service to medically underserved populations. The Accelerated Prelicensure BSN allows students to earn a BSN after 3 ½ semesters full-time study, starting with the summer. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must have completed the 8 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is January 15.
University of South Florida
University of South Florida
4202 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33620
813-974-2301
The University of South Florida (USF) is a public institution located in Tampa, Florida. Founded in 1956 by the Florida legislature, it is part of the State University System of Florida. UNF is currently organized into 13 colleges and offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. In addition, USF offers several programs for adult learners including certificate programs, professional degrees and noncredit courses. The University of South Florida College of Nursing offers the Second Degree Sequence to students who already have earned a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field. It allows students to earn a BSN after only four semesters of rigorous, full-time study. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must have completed the eight nursing prerequisite classes. Admission to the second degree BSN program at USF is very competitive. In addition to considering the student’s GPA and prerequisite coursework, the student’s volunteer work, leadership ability and work experience will also be considered. The application deadline is January 15.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Georgia
Emory University 1518 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30329. Tel: 404-727-3956. Emory University is a private, Methodist university located in the Druid Hills section of Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1870 in Oxford, Georgia by the Georgia Conference of Methodists, and named after Methodist bishop John Emory. Asa Candler, the founder of Coca-Cola, donated the land on which the school’s first buildings were erected. It was recently ranked 20th among national universities by US News and World Report.
Emory currently consists of 11 schools and colleges, with an annual enrollment of over 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University evolved from the Wesley Memorial Hospital Training School for Nurses that was established in 1905. Years later after the school moved to Emory’s campus and separated from the hospital, it was renamed after Nell Hodgson Woodruff, a former School of Nursing student and wife of Coca-Cola magnate Robert Woodruff. The 2nd Degree BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after four semesters of full-time study. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, the student must have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the seven prerequisite classes prior to fall matriculation. The application deadline is in January for fall entry.
Georgia Southwestern State University
Georgia Southwestern State University
800 Georgia Southwestern State University Drive, Americus, GA 31709,
877-871-4594
Georgia Southwestern State University is a public university located in Americus, Georgia. It is part of the University System of Georgia. Established in 1906, Georgia Southwestern now has 5 colleges and offers over 75 degree programs. The School of Nursing offers the Second Degree Accelerated BSN program that allows students who already have undergraduate degrees to earn a BSN on a fast track basis. To be eligible for this BSN accelerated program, the student must have a non-nursing bachelors degree and must have completed the science and nursing prerequisite coursework prior to admission to the program. In addition, prior to completing the program, the student must complete the United States and Georgia history coursework as required by the University System of Georgia. The application deadlines are in May 1 for the Fall term and November 1 for the Spring term.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University
University Plaza, Atlanta, GA 30303,
404-413-2500
Georgia State University is a public university located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. Its central location allows students easy access to Atlanta’s many cultural and historical attractions such as Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center and the Georgia Dome. Founded in 1913, Georgia State’s original curriculum focused on mining engineering. Over the years its curriculum has expanded significantly to now offering 52 degrees in over 200 fields of study.
The Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions was established in 1968. In addition to the Traditional BSN program, it offers a 16 month ACE (Achieving the Curriculum Expeditiously) Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing program for students with a undergraduate degree. This rigorous program requires 81 hours per week of classroom, clinical, laboratory work and study time. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must have a bachelors degree and must have completed the 12 prerequisite classes. The application deadlines are March 1 for the Fall term and October 1 for the Spring term.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University
1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, GA 30144,
(770) 423-6000
Kennesaw State University is a public university located 20 miles north of Atlanta in Kennesaw, Georgia, near Kennesaw Mountain. Originally named Cobb County Junior College, the school was founded in 1963 by the Georgia Board of Regents. After it evolved into a four-year college and expanded its curricula, in 1968 the school was renamed Kennesaw State University. With over 24,000 students, Kennesaw State is the third largest university in Georgia.
The 45-year old Wellstar School of Nursing at Kennesaw State is the largest nursing program in Georgia. For students who wish to pursue nursing careers and who already have a bachelors degree, the Accelerated Baccalaureate Program allows students to earn a BSN degree after four months of full-time study. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must also have completed the 12 prerequisite courses within ten years of applying. Prerequisite classes completed more than 10 years of applying must be retaken. The application deadlines are January 31 for the Fall semester and June 30 for the Spring semester.
Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University
1300 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31698,
229-333-5959
Valdosta State University (VSU) is a public university located on a 168-acre campus in Valdosta, Georgia. Valdosta also has satellite campuses at the Kings Bay Naval Base in Camden County and at the Moody Air Force Base in Lowndes County. Founded in 1906 by the Georgia state legislature, VSU was initially called South Georgia State Normal College. Over the years the school went through numerous name changes as its curricula evolved. In 1993 it became Valdosta State University.
The Valdosta State University College of Nursing was established in 1968 to address the need for registered nurses in South Georgia. Students who have already earned a bachelors degree may pursue a BSN at the College of Nursing in the Accelerated BSN Program for Second Degree Students. This second degree BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after four terms of full-time study. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program the student must also have completed the prerequisite coursework before matriculation. The application deadline is December 1 for the May entry.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Idaho
Idaho State University 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83209. Tel: 208-282-3215. Idaho State University (ISU) is a public institution located in Pocatello, Idaho, with 3 additional campuses throughout the state. It was founded in 1901 by the Idaho legislature as the Academy of Idaho. After going through several name changes, in 1963 the school became known as Idaho State University to reflect its growth and expanded curricula. ISU is now made up of 6 colleges and offers over 285 programs of study.
The Idaho State University School of Nursing is located on ISU’s Meridian campus. It offers three paths to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated Nursing Program. To qualify for this program, the student must already have earned a bachelors degree, but wishes to make a career change. This 2nd degree BSN program allows the student to earn the BSN degree in 4 semesters. The student must also have completed the 9 prerequisite classes prior to matriculation. This intensive ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program accepts only 30 students each year. The application deadline is in the middle of September for Spring admission.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Illinois
In Illinois, there are quite a few accelerated BSN degrees to choose from – over 10. Featured online programs and the full list of accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing programs are highlighted below.
Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing Broadway at 11th Street, Quincy, IL 62301. Tel: 217-228-5520. Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing is a private institution located in downtown Quincy, Illinois as part of the Blessing Hospital complex. Initially known as the Blessing Hospital School of Nursing, it was founded in 1861 by the Board of Managers of Blessing Hospital. Later, after Cedric H. Rieman left the school a substantial endowment in memory of his wife, the name of the school was changed to the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing.
Blessing now offers several degree programs on its own and in partnership with Culver-Stockton College and Quincy University. In 2003 Blessing started the Advanced Placement Track for second degree students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The program allows students to earn a BSN after two years of full-time study. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must also complete the prerequisite classes. The prerequisite classes include: Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, English Composition, and Speech. The application deadline is November 1 for April entry.
Bradley University
Bradley University
1501 W Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625,
309-676-7611
Bradley University is a private university located on 85 acres in the West Bluff section of Peoria, Illinois. Originally known as Bradley Polytechnic Institute, Bradley was founded in 1897 by Lydia Moss Bradley in memory of her husband and children. The name was changed in 1946 to Bradley University. Named a top-ranking Midwestern school by US News and World Report, Bradley now has seven schools and colleges and over 6,100 students.
Created in 1956, Bradley University’s Department of Nursing offers an Accelerated Track to achieve the BSN degree. The program allows students to earn a BSN after 15 months of rigorous, full-time study. To qualify for this accelerated 2nd degree BSN program, in addition to having a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing, the student must have completed all ten prerequisite classes prior to admission.
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
1221 North Swift Road, Addison, IL 60101,
630-953-3660
Chamberlain College of Nursing is a private, for-profit nursing school with its corporate headquarters in Downers Grove, Illinois, and several locations across the United States, including in Addison, Illinois. It was established in 1889 as the Deaconess School of Nursing. In 2005 Deaconess was acquired by Illinois-based, DeVry, Inc. In addition to its traditional three-year track to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, Chamberlain offers a Second Degree BSN Option to adult learners who have already earned a bachelors degree in another field. This accelerated BSN program uses the same curriculum as its traditional BSN program, but is designed so that student can complete the program in 13 months. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must have a bachelors degree with an cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and must have completed the 16 prerequisite classes. The application deadline varies by location.
Illinois State University
Illinois State University
100 N University Street, Normal, IL 61790,
309-438-2181
Illinois State University (ISU) is a public university located in Normal, Illinois, 137 miles southwest of Chicago. Founded in 1857 by the Illinois legislature as the Illinois State Normal University, a teacher’s college, ISU is the oldest university in Illinois. Since then the school has changed its curriculum from a teacher education-focused program to a liberal arts program, and in 1968 changed its name to Illinois State University. ISU now offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs
The Mennonite College of Nursing was established as a private college in 1919 and became the sixth college at Illinois State University in 1999. It offers three programs to achieve the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated BSN Program. This accelerated BSN program is designed for students with bachelors degrees who wish to become registered nurses. The program allows students to earn a BSN after 15 months of rigorous, full-time study, starting in May and ending in August of the following year. To qualify for this BSN second degree program, the student must have completed all nine prerequisite science and statistics classes prior to admission. The application deadline is June 15 for entry in May of the following year.
Lewis University
Lewis University
1 University Parkway, Romeoville, IL 60446,
815-838-0500
Lewis University is a private, Catholic university located 30 miles southwest of Chicago in Romeoville, Illinois, adjacent to Lewis Airport. Originally called the Holy Name Technical School, Lewis University was founded in 1932 by the Chicago Archdiocese and Bishop Bernard J. Scheil. It was renamed in honor of Frank J. Lewis, a local philanthropist who provided funding to construct several of the school’s buildings. Initially Lewis was an aeronautics school. Its resources were used to help train pilots during World War II. In 1944 the school began to expand its curriculum to include traditional liberal arts classes. In 1973 the school’s name was changed to Lewis University. It has been cited by both ThePrinceton Review and US News and World Report as one of the best regional schools.
The College of Nursing and Health Professions at Lewis University offers a learning environment that emphasizes small classes with individualized attention combined with Catholic values of compassion and community. Among its degree programs, the College of Nursing and Health Professions offers the Accelerated Bachelors to BSN Program that allows students to receive the BSN degree in two years. Available at several of Lewis University’s campuses, this accelerated BSN program is designed for the individual seeking a career change. The program is offered in 8 week segments that include classroom work during the week and clinicals on the weekends. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, the student must have taken the prerequisite science coursework as well as the mission-based classes, including Ethics, Cultural Diversity and Intergroup Relations and Theology. Applications are accepted and admission is offered on a rolling basis.
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago
1032 W. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660,
773-274-3000
Loyola University Chicago is a private, Catholic university located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1870 as St. Ignatius College, it is the largest Jesuit, Catholic University in the United States. It has 6 campuses in the Chicago area, one campus in Rome, Italy and 10 colleges and schools. The school changed its name to Loyola University Chicago in 1909.
Loyola’s Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing was created in 935 and was the first fully accredited nursing school in Illinois. The School of Nursing is located on Loyola’s Health Sciences Campus in Maywood, Illinois. It offers three undergraduate nursing degree programs, including the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 16 months of full-time study. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must have a bachelors degree and must have completed 37 hours of prerequisite coursework prior to matriculation. The application deadlines are May 1 for the Fall term and November 1 for the Spring term.
Methodist College of Nursing
Methodist College of Nursing
415 St. Mark Ct. Peoria, IL 61603,
309-672-5513
The Methodist College of Nursing is a private institution located in Peoria, Illinois. Established in 1900 by the Deaconesses of the Methodist Episcopal Church, it is now owned by the Methodist Medical Center of Illinois. The Methodist College of Nursing offers three options to obtain the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Second Degree Accelerated BSN that allows students to complete the coursework for the BSN in five semesters of continuous, full-time study. This accelerated second degree program is designed for working adults, with many of its classes offered in the evening, on weekends and online. To qualify for this accelerated BSN program, the student must have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the eight prerequisite classes. The application deadlines are April 15 for the Fall term and September 15 for the Spring term.
Resurrection University
Resurrection University
3 Erie Court, Oak Park, IL 60302,
708-763-6530
Resurrection University is a private, Catholic institution located in Oak Park, Illinois. It was founded in 1914 as West Suburban School of Nursing. Resurrection University now is a health sciences school, owned by Presence Health, a Catholic nonprofit organization. It offers nursing degrees with flexible schedules to accommodate working, adult learners. The Fast Track BSN program at Resurrection University allows students to complete the requirements for the BSN degree in 5 semesters. To qualify for admission, the student must have completed both the prerequisite general education classes and the prerequisite nursing support classes. The application deadlines are April 1 for the Fall term and September 1 for the Spring term.
Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL 62026,
888-328-5168
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a public institution located in Edwardsville, Illinois, about 20 miles from St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1957 in response to the lack of post-secondary institutions in the area, SIUE remains committed to the Southwestern Illinois community. The School of Nursing at SIUE conferred its first BSN degrees in 1966 and now has over 5000 alumni who have earned degrees from three different BSN programs, including the Accelerated Option. This accelerated BSN degree program allows students to earn a BSN after 3 semesters and one summer of full-time study. The program includes the same classroom and clinical work that is offered in the traditional BSN program on an accelerated schedule. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must have completed the nine prerequisite classes within seven years of applying. The application deadline is April 1.
Trinity College of Nursing
Trinity College of Nursing
2122 25th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201,
309- 779-7700
Trinity College of Nursing is a private nursing college located in Rock Island, Illinois. The history of Trinity College goes back to the late 19th century when four different hospitals and affiliate nursing schools served the Quad Cities: Moline, IL, East Moline, IL, Davenport, IA, and Bettendorf, IA. Over the years these nursing schools and other nursing training programs merged to ultimately become the fully accredited Trinity College of Nursing in 1998. Trinity College is now associated with Trinity Regional Health System, a nonprofit organization serving Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. There are three options for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Trinity College. The accelerated BSN-A program allows students to earn a BSN after completing a 15-month, intensive course of full-time study. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must have completed the six prerequisite science and statistics classes.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Indiana
There are a decent number of accelerated BSN degrees to choose from in Indiana, and many colleges have on-campus locations. Featured online programs and the full list of accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing programs are highlighted below.
Ball State University 2000 W. University Avenue, Muncie, IN 47306. Tel: 765-289-1241. Ball State University (Ball State) is public university located on a 700-acre campus on the northwest side of Muncie, Indiana. Ball State dates back to 1899 with the founding of Eastern Indiana Normal School, a teacher’s college. In 1922, after Frank Ball and his four brothers provided financial support the school was renamed Ball Teacher’s College.
Following several decades of growth in enrollment and expansion of academic programs, in 1965 the Indiana General Assembly voted to rename the school Ball State University. Ball State now annually enrolls over 22,000 students in 7 colleges.
Ball State School of Nursing combines traditional classroom learning with clinical and online modules. The School of Nursing also offers several admissions options for students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, including the 19-month track that allows students to finishing the BSN coursework in an intensive, 19-month period. To qualify for this accelerated BSN program, in addition to have a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field, the student must also have completed the prerequisite classes and must submit a handwritten paper on nursing. Applications for admissions are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Indiana University-Northwest
Indiana University- Northwest
3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408,
888-968-7486
Indiana University (IU Northwest) is a public institution that is part of the Indiana University System. Its main campus is on 36 acres in Gary, Indiana, with a satellite location in Portage. It was founded in 1963 by the Indiana legislature. It currently has over 5,000 students and over 250 faculty members.
Committed to providing a strong science and liberal arts foundation to students seeking nursing careers, IU Northwest School of Nursing provides a number of options for achieving the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the BA/BS to BSN Mobility Option. This 2nd degree BSN program allows students to earn a BSN after 18 months of full-time study. To qualify for this accelerated BSN program, in addition to having a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing, the student must have completed the prerequisite classes prior to admission. The prerequisite classes include: Anatomy and Physiology, Microorganism in Nature and Disease Biology, Statistics, Life Span Development, Math, and Chemistry of Life. The application deadline is in January.
Indiana University- Purdue University-Indianapolis (IUPUI) is a public university located in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. It was created in 1969 with the merger of the regional Indianapolis campuses of Indiana University and Purdue University. Currently, IUPUI has over 30,000 students and offers over 250 degree programs in 21 schools.
The School of Nursing at IUPUI is the largest nursing school in the United States, providing Indiana with over 40% of its bachelor degree holding nurses. The School of Nursing offers the Second Degree Option to students who have earned a bachelors degree in another field, and now wish to transition to a career in nursing. This accelerated BSN program involves 20 months of full-time, intensive study that includes classroom work, clinicals and community-based practical experience. To qualify for this program, the student must have completed the prerequisite coursework prior to admission. The application deadlines are in September for the spring term, January for the summer term and March for the fall term.
Indiana University- South Bend
Indiana University- South Bend
1700 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend, IN 46634,
574-520-IUSB
Indiana University- South Bend (IU South Bend) is a public university located in South Bend, Indiana, and is the third largest school in the Indiana University System. IU South Bend traces its roots to 1916 when IU South Bend was an extension of Indiana University Bloomington. In 1967 IU South Bend conferred its first four-year degrees. It has since expanded to an annual enrollment of over 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students in 8 colleges and schools.
The School of Nursing at IU South Bend is part of the College of Health and Sciences. Qualified students with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing may earn a BSN after 15 months of study through the Second Degree BSN Program. In this intensive accelerated BSN program, classwork and clinicals are scheduled for 35-40 hours per week. To qualify for this BSN second degree program, the student must have completed all prerequisite general education and science classes prior to matriculation. The application deadline is in February.
Marian University
Marian University
3200 Cold Spring Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222,
317-955-6000
Marian University is a private, Catholic university located four miles northwest of downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. It was founded in 1851 by the Oldenburg Franciscans to train teachers to serve residents of southern Indiana. The School of Nursing at Marian University was established in 1977, and by 1987 received accreditation by the Indiana State Board of Nursing to confer associates and bachelors nursing degrees. The School of Nursing now offers the BSN Accelerated Program to students with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines. Through this accelerated BSN program, students earn the BSN degree after 12-15 months of intensive study. Clinicals are completed at Marian’s Louis C. Gatto Nursing Resource Center, followed by practical experience in nearby community-based hospitals. To qualify for this second degree accelerated program, the applicant must have completed the prerequisite coursework. If a student has not completed all of the prerequisites, options are available for completing it at Marian. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for January entry.
Purdue University
Purdue University
502 N. University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2069,
765-494-4004
Purdue University is public institution established by the Indiana State Assembly in 1869. It is located in West Lafayette, Indiana on land donated by local businessman, John Purdue. Purdue has grown to become the second largest university in Indiana. It annual enrolls over 39,000 students, and offers over 190 degree programs in 10 schools and colleges. It was recently cited by ThePrinceton Review as one of the country’s “best values” for colleges.
The nursing division at Purdue dates back to 1963 as a program on the West Lafayette campus within the Department of Applied and General Studies. In 1979 the Board of Trustees created the School of Nursing, which is now part of the College of Health and Human Science. Among its degree programs the School of Nursing offers the Second Degree Accelerated Baccalaureate Program in Nursing. It is designed for students who hold a bachelors degree in another discipline and now wish to pursue a BSN. This ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is a 15-month program during which students must complete 32 credits of pre-nursing requirements and 59 credits of nursing requirements. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the student must have taken the prerequisite science coursework. The application deadline is in January of each year for May entry.
Purdue University Calumet
Purdue University Calumet
2200 169th Street, Hammond, IN 46323-2094
219 -989-2400
Purdue University Calumet is public university located in Hammond, Indiana, 25 miles southeast of Chicago. It is part of the Purdue University System. Purdue University Calumet started offering classed in Hammond in 1946, and moved to its current 194-acre site in 1951. The school is organized into 6 different schools. The School of Nursing offers 4 options for achieving the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, including the Accelerated BS Option for Second Degree Students. This accelerated BSN program allows students with a general education foundation from earning a bachelors degree in another field to earn a BSN on an accelerated schedule. To qualify for this second degree BSN program, the applicant must have a BSN in another field of study and must have completed the 8 prerequisite classes prior to matriculation.
Saint Mary’s College
Saint Mary’s College
8 Havican Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5001,
574-284-4680
Saint Mary’s College is a private, women’s Catholic college with a 75-acre campus of gardens, lawns and historic buildings in Notre Dame, Indiana. With a commitment to academic excellence and spiritual support, Saint Mary’s was founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Today Saint Mary’s offers 30 different degree programs to its annual enrollment of over 1,500 women. It has consistently ranked as one of the 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” in the U.S. News & World Report.
As part of its nursing program, Saint Mary’s Colleges offers the Accelerated Option Program where the student is admitted as a transfer student and the BSN requirements are modified to accommodate the accelerated schedule. To qualify for this accelerated BSN program, the student must have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in February of each year.
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University
1600 Chapel Dr, Valparaiso, IN 46383
219-464-5096
Valparaiso University is private, Lutheran institution based in Valparaiso, Indiana, 50 miles southeast of downtown Chicago. Established in 1859 as the Valparaiso Male and Female College, it was one of the first coeducational universities in the United States. In 1906 it was rechartered as Valparaiso University and developed a reputation for providing a low-cost, high quality education, as noted in The Barron’s 300: Best Buys in College Education. Valparaiso now offers over 70 academic programs in 5 colleges, including the College of Nursing.
Training at the College of Nursing emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, combined with cutting-edge technology to provide the student with a unique learning experience. The Virtual Nursing Learning Center simulates an actually hospital environment complete with equipment and interactive mannequins. The College of Nursing offers several different paths to achieving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated Option. This second degree BSN program is designed for transfer students who have general education and science credits and for individuals seeking a second degree. Qualified students can complete this BSN accelerated program in 15 months. To qualify for admission, the applicant must have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing or at least 57 transfer credits and must have completed the 12 prerequisite classes.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Iowa
There are not many accelerated BSN degrees offered at Iowa colleges (only one by our count, but let us know if you come across any that we are not aware of and we can add it to our directory). You might consider an online program (featured below).
Allen College 1990 Heath Street, Waterloo, IA 50703. Tel: 319-226-2000. Allen College is a health science college located in Waterloo, Iowa. It was established in 1925 as Allen Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and was a part of Allen Memorial Hospital. The institution has since changed its name to Allen College and is now part of Allen Health Systems, an affiliate of the Iowa Health System.
Allen College offers a nursing program that emphasizes training students to work in a culturally diverse environment and that encourages community service. The Accelerated Option allows students to complete the classroom work and clinicals necessary to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 15 months. To qualify for this accelerated 2nd degree BSN program, the applicant must have already completed at least 64 hours of classwork at an accredited college or university or have earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. In addition, the applicant must have completed the prerequisite classes prior to admission. Applications for admissions are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Kansas
By our count, there are only two accelerated BSN degrees at schools in Kansas. Featured online programs and the full list of accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing programs are highlighted below. You might consider an online program, especially if you live in more remote areas of Kansas.
MidAmerica Nazarene University 2030 E. College Way, Olathe, KS 66062-1899. Tel: 913-782-3750. MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) is a private, Christian institution located on a 100-acre campus in Olathe, Kansas, near Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1966, MidAmerica Nazarene University is one of 8 universities affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. MNU enrolls over 1,700 students and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 40 majors.
The School of Nursing and Health Science offers an Accelerated BSN Program for students with bachelors degrees seeking to make a career change. The accelerated bachelors in nursing program allows students to complete the classroom work and clinicals necessary to earn a BSN in 12 months. To qualify for this 2nd degree BSN program, the applicant must have a bachelor degree, must be an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) who has completed at least 64 hours of college coursework, or must have completed at least 90 hours of college coursework. In addition, the applicant must have completed the prerequisite classes prior to admission. The prerequisite classes include: Human Growth and Development/Child Development, Intermediate Algebra, or higher level algebra course, English Comp I, Public Speaking, Anatomy and Physiology, Human Nutrition, Probability and Statistics and Ethics. The application deadline is in May.
Wichita State University
Wichita State University
1845 Fairmount St. Wichita, KS 67260,
316-978-3456
Wichita State University (WSU) is a public university located on a 300-acre campus in Wichita, Kansas. The Wichita campus has been noted for its large outdoor sculpture collection. WSU also has satellite campuses in Derby and Maize. WSU was founded in 1886 by the Rev. Joseph Homer Parker. It was originally a private, congregational school called Fairmount College. In 1926 Fairmount College became a public non-denominational school called Municipal University of Wichita. In 1964 its name was changed to Wichita State University.
The School of Nursing began in 1967 as a department within the University College, offering only the bachelors degree. Since then it has received approval to confer graduate level degrees and is now part of the College of Health Professions. The School of Nursing now also offers several options for achieving the BSN degree, including the Accelerated BSN Option. Designed for students who have already earned a bachelors degree, this second degree BSN program allows qualified students to earn a BSN degree after 15 months of intensive classwork and clinicals, including weekend and evening scheduling. The program begins each year in May and ends in August of the following year. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, the applicant must have a bachelors degree from another field and must have completed the prerequisite classes prior to admission. The application deadline is in September.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Kentucky
There are a handful of accelerated BSN degrees to choose from in Kentucky, and many of the universities have on-campus locations. Featured online programs and the full list of accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing programs are highlighted below.
Bellarmine University 2001 Newburg Rd, Louisville KY, 40205. Tel: 502-272-8131. Bellarmine University is a private Catholic school located on a 135-acre campus in Louisville, Kentucky. Named after Cardinal Saint Robert Bellarmine, it was founded in 1950 by Archbishop John A. Floersh. Bellarmine is organized into 6 schools and college, annually enrolls over 3,200 students, and offers degrees in over 50 undergraduate and graduate majors.
The Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers multiple health science programs, including undergraduate and graduate nursing degree programs. The Accelerated Second Degree BSN program is designed for students who have earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. This ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program is 12-months long, divided into 3 14-week semesters. During the program students attend classes two to three days a week and are in clinical settings two to three days a week. To qualify for this accelerated BSN program, the applicant must have a bachelors degree and must have completed the 6 prerequisite classes prior to matriculation. The application deadline is in March.
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University
521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY 40475,
859-622-1000
Eastern Kentucky University is a public school located on an 880- acre campus in Richmond, Kentucky, with 6 additional regional campuses and centers. Eastern Kentucky University was founded in 1874 as Central University. In 1922 it became known as Eastern Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College, and in 1966 the name was changed to Eastern Kentucky University. The nursing program at Eastern has been in existence for over 35 years, providing nursing professionals to the local community, including rural Appalachia. The 2nd Degree BSN Option allows qualified students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 21 months of intensive classwork and clinicals. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the applicant must have a bachelors degree and must have completed the 5 prerequisite science and statistics classes prior to admission. The application deadline is in March.
Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University
1 Nunn Dr., Highland Heights, KY 41099,
859-572-5100
Northern Kentucky University is a public school located on a 390- acre campus in Highland Heights, Kentucky, 11 miles southeast of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Department of Nursing is part of the College of Health Professions and has clinical affiliations with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, and other distinguished health care facilities in and around Cincinnati. The Accelerated BSN program is designed for bachelor degree holding students who want to transition to nursing careers. This BSN accelerated program is rigorous in that it incorporates the traditional 3 years of BSN degree coursework into 16 months of full-time study. The admission requirements include having completed the following prerequisite coursework: Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Healthcare Informatics, Nutrition, Introductory Statistics, and Growth and Development. The application deadline is in February for fall admission.
Spalding University
Spalding University
845 South Third St., Louisville, Kentucky 40203,
502- 585-9911
Spalding University is a private, Catholic university located in Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1814, Spalding University is affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and is named after Catherine Spalding, the founder of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Today Spalding University prides itself on offering an innovative mixture of traditional learning environments with service and distance learning opportunities. The School of Nursing is one of the oldest nursing schools in Kentucky. It was one of the first nursing schools to offer the two year RN to BSN weekend only college program and now also offers the 2nd Degree BSN program. This accelerated BSN program is designed for students with a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing, who would like to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The traditional BSN classroom and clinical curriculum is adapted to an accelerated schedule consisting of 8 6-week sessions. Both day and night class schedules are available. To qualify for this program the applicant must have completed the 9 prerequisite science classes. The application deadline is in November of each year.
The University of Kentucky (UK) is a public school located on a 800- acre campus in Lexington, Kentucky. UK was founded in 1865 by John Bowman as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky. It is now the largest university in Kentucky and, according to U.S. News and World Report, is the highest ranked research university in the state. The College of Nursing was created in 1960 in response to the shortage in Kentucky. The Second Degree BSN option is available to students who have earned a bachelors degree in a non-nursing field. The program involves five semesters of intensive full-time study, culmination in the receiving the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. To qualify for this BSN accelerated program, the applicant must have a bachelors degree and must have completed the prerequisite classes prior to admission. The application deadline is in March.
University of Louisville
University of Louisville
2301 South 3rd street, Louisville, KY 40208,
502-852-5555
The University of Louisville is a public university located in Louisville, Kentucky. It was founded in 1798 as the Jefferson Seminary. Over the years the university evolved from Jefferson Seminary to Louisville Medical Institute and finally, in 1846, the Kentucky legislature renamed and reconfigured the institution into the University of Louisville. The University of Louisville School of Nursing, located in the health sciences center, offers a variety of undergraduate academic programs that lead to becoming a registered nurse. The Accelerated 2nd Degree Program is for students who have already earned a bachelors degree in a different field. Students first take the prerequisite courses in the Lower Division, followed by taking the nursing courses in the Upper Division. This accelerated BSN program takes 2 years to complete. The application deadlines for the Lower Division are in April, July and December. The deadline for the Upper Division is in March.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Louisiana
There are a few accelerated BSN programs in Louisiana, most of which offer only campus based programs. Featured online programs and the full list of accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing programs are highlighted below.
Louisiana College
1140 College Drive, Pineville, LA 71360. Tel: 318-487-7127.
Louisiana College is a private, Baptist institution located on a 81-acre campus in Pineville, Louisiana. Founded in 1906, it now offers 70 academic programs of study and enrolls 1,459 students.
The School of Nursing and Allied Health offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 4 semesters of full-time classroom and clinical work. Clinicals take place in hospitals and clinics in and around the Pineville community. In keeping with its mission of faith-based learning, service opportunities are available at Enterprise Baptist Church, the Working People’s Free Clinic, and the Manna House. To qualify for this BSN accelerated nursing degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes. There are typically 40 students enrolled in this 2nd degree BSN program.
Louisiana State University-Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
Louisiana State University-Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
1900 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70112,
504-568-4106
Louisiana State University is a public health sciences institution located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1931, it is now home to 6 schools: the School of Public Health, the School of Medicine, the School of Allied Health Professions, the School of Graduate Studies, the School of Dentistry, and the School of Nursing. The School of Nursing offers three tracks for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The Career Alternative RN Education program allows students to earn a BSN degree after less than 2 years 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 following prerequisite classes: Biology and Biology Laboratory, Microbiology, and Physical Science. The application deadline is in January for the fall term.
Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University
500 Western Avenue, Hammond, LA 70402,
985-549-5393
Southeastern Louisiana University is a public university located in Hammond, Louisiana, with satellite campuses in Baton Rouge, Abita Springs, Walker and Manchac. Founded in 1925 by Linus A. Sims, it was originally called Hammond Junior College. Today it is organized into 5 colleges and enrolls over 15,000 graduate and undergraduate students. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers the Accelerated Track for earning the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 2 years of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes. Portions of this second degree accelerated BSN program occur at both the Hammond and Baton Rouge campuses. The application deadline is in September for spring admission and February for summer admission.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Maine
There are only two universities in Maine offering accelerated BSN degrees. Featured online programs and the full list of accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing programs are highlighted below.
University of Maine Fort Kent 23 University Dr., Fort Kent, ME 04743. Tel: 207-834-7500. The University of Maine Fort Kent is a public college located on a 54-acre campus in Fort Kent, Maine, near the Canadian border. It was founded in 1878 by the governor of Maine as the Madawaska Training School. As the school expanded and changed its curriculum, its name was changed several times until in 1970 it adopted its current name. Today the school offers several associate and bachelors degree programs, as well as many online degree options.
The nursing division offers 4 options for obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated BSN (ABSN). This BSN accelerated program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 4 semesters of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this second degree BSN program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better in each. The prerequisite classes include: anatomy, physiology and statistics. Though not required, completing the following classes prior to matriculation is strongly encouraged: Microbiology, Human Nutrition, Chemistry, Growth and development across the lifespan and Transcultural Care in Nursing. The application deadline is in February.
University of Southern Maine
University of Southern Maine
96 Falmouth Street, Portland, ME 04104,
800-800-4876
The University of Southern Maine is a public college located in Portland, Maine with additional campuses in Gorham and Lewiston. It is part of the University of Maine System. Founded in 1878 as the Gorham Normal School, it later merged with the University of Maine at Portland. In 1978 it adopted its current name. Today, the University of Southern Maine offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 13 colleges and schools, and has a distance learning program. The School of Nursing offers 3 options for obtaining a BSN degree, including the Accelerated Program. This accelerated BSN track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 15 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. The program begins in May of each year with the students graduating in August of the following year. To qualify for this 2nd degree BSN program the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing with a GPA of at least 3.3, and must have completed the 3 prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better in each. The application deadline is in October.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Maryland
There are a decent number of accelerated BSN degrees to choose from in Maryland, and many colleges have on-campus locations. Featured online programs and the full list of accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing programs are highlighted below.
Bowie State University 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715-9465. Tel: 301-860-4000. Bowie State University is a public college located on a 300-acre campus in Bowie, Maryland, in between Baltimore and Washington, DC. It is part of the University System of Maryland and is the state’s oldest historically black university. It was founded in 1865 by the Baltimore Association for the Moral and Educational Improvement of Colored People to train African- American teachers. It was originally called the Baltimore Normal School.
The institution went through several name changes until 1988 when it achieved university status and its name was changed to Bowie State University. Today, Bowie State offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 4 colleges. The nursing department offers an Accelerated BSN track that allows students to earn a BSN degree after 18 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN second degree program the student must have completed all general education classes necessary for a bachelors degree and must have completed the prerequisite math and science classes with a GPA of at least 3.0. The application deadline is in February.
Coppin State University
Coppin State University
2500 West North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21216-3698,
410-951-3000
Coppin State University is a public university located on a 50-acre campus in Baltimore, Maryland. It is part of the University System of Maryland and is a historically black university. It was founded in 1900 as the Colored High School by the Baltimore City School Board to train African-American elementary school teachers. By 1902 the teaching training program had expanded to a 2-year program and in 1926 was renamed the Fanny Jackson Coppin Normal School in honor of Fanny Jackson Coppin, an African-American leader in teacher education. Having expanded its curriculum beyond teacher education, its name was changed to Coppin State University. Today, Coppin State offers over 40 degree programs in 7 schools and colleges.
The Helene Fuld School of Nursing offers the Accelerated Second Degree BSN program to adult learners who already have a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing. The program focuses on disease prevention, health promotion, pharmacology, women’s health assessment, informatics, pathophysiology, mental health and health of families and populations. To qualify for this 2nd degree BSN program, the student must also have completed the prerequisite coursework prior to admission. The application deadline is in April.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University
School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205,
410-955-4766
Johns Hopkins University is a private, research university located on a 140-acre campus in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1976 after Johns Hopkins, a Quaker philanthropist, bequeathed funds for the establishment of a school in Baltimore. Today, Johns Hopkins offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate academic programs in 9 schools. The nursing training program as Johns Hopkins was created in 1889 at the same time that the Johns Hopkins Hospital was established. The School of Nursing became a separate division in 1983. The Accelerated Program was first offered at the School of Nursing in 1990. It allows students with a bachelors degree in another discipline to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 13 months. To qualify for this BSN second degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 5 prerequisite classes with a grade of “B” or better in each. The prerequisite classes include: Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Nutrition, Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan, and Statistics. The application deadline is in November for summer entry and January for fall entry.
Salisbury University
Salisbury University
1101 Camden Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801,
410-543-6000
Salisbury University is a public college located on a 173-acre campus in Salisbury, Maryland. It was founded in1925 as Maryland State Normal School to train elementary school teachers. By 2001 the school had expanded to offer several bachelors and masters degrees, and the name was changed to Salisbury University. Today, Salisbury University offers over 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 4 schools. For 15 consecutive years Salisbury University was named one of the “Top Public Regional Universities in the North” by U.S. News & World Report.
The Department of Nursing offers 3 tracks to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree: the Traditional Track, the RN to BSN Track and the 2nd Degree Track. The 2nd Degree Track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 3 semesters of full-time classroom and clinical work. Clinical rotations begin in the fall semester and take place in hospitals and clinics within a 30-60 minute drive from campus. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) 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. The application deadline is in December for fall entry.
Stevenson University
Stevenson University
1525 Greenspring Valley Road, Stevenson, MD, 21153-0641,
877-468-6852
Stevenson University is a private university located on a 60-acre campus in Stevenson, Maryland. It has a second campus in Owings Mills. It was founded in 1947 as Villa Julie College by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur as a one-year Catholic training school for medical secretaries. Since then the school has become independent of the Catholic Church, adopted a liberal arts curriculum and changed its name to Stevenson University. Today Stevenson University enrolls over 4,000 students and offers over 30 degree programs. The school of nursing provides several flexible ways for students to pursue a career in nursing, including the Second Bachelors program. This accelerated BSN track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN second 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 with a grade of “C” or better in each. The application deadline is in February.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Massachusetts
There are quite a few accelerated BSN degree programs located in Massachusetts. Many of the nursing schools offer campus-based learning, but there are multiple online programs accepting Massachusetts residents as well. Featured online programs and the full list of accelerated bachelor’s of science in nursing programs are highlighted below.
Curry College 1071 Blue Hill Ave., Milton, MA 02186. Tel: 617-333-0500. Curry College is a public institution located in Milton, Massachusetts, 7 miles from downtown Boston, with a second campus in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1879 by Anna Baright as the School of Elocution with Alexander Graham Bell named the school’s first chancellor. In 1943 the school’s name was changed to Curry College after Anna Baright’s husband, Samuel Silas Curry.
Today, Curry College offers certificates, undergraduate degrees and graduate degree programs in 20 academic areas. The proximity of the School of Nursing to Boston allows students access to clinical opportunities in some of the nation’s best hospitals and health care facilities. The School of Nursing offers the traditional BSN program as well as the Accelerated BSN program at the Milton campus. This second degree accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN second 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 with a grade of “B-” or better in each. The prerequisite courses include: Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, and Human Growth and Development. The application deadline is in April for January entry.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
179 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-5896,
617-732-2800
The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science is a private institution located in the Longwood Medical section of Boston, Massachusetts, with campuses in Worcester, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire. It was founded by several Boston pharmacists in1823 as the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. It is the oldest college in Boston and the oldest school of pharmacy in the United States. Today, the school has expanded beyond pharmacy education to offer over 30 different certificate and degree programs in several different health care fields. The School of Nursing offers the Postbaccalaureate BSN program that allows students to achieve the BSN degree after 16 months of full-time, year-round study. This program is offered only on the Manchester and Worcester campuses. The schedule includes 15-week fall semesters, 15-week spring semesters, and 12-week summer sessions ending in May of the third year. To qualify for this 2nd degree BSN program, the student must have already earned a bachelor degree in a field other than nursing. In addition, within 10 years of matriculation, the student must have completed the 7 prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better in each. The applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
MGH Institute of Health Professions
MGH Institute of Health Professions
36 First Avenue, Boston, MA 02129-4557,
617-726-2947
The MGH Institute of Health Professions is a private institution that is part of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and closely affiliated with Harvard Medical School. It was founded in 1873 as Massachusetts General Hospital School of Nursing and granted diplomas in nursing. In 1977 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts gave the school approval to grant degrees and in 1980 the school was renamed the MGH Institute of Health Professions. MGH Institute is now organized into 3 schools: the School of Nursing, the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the Center for Interprofessional Studies and Innovations. The School of Nursing offers the Accelerated BSN program that allows students to earn a BSN degree after 14 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this top ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing, and within 10 years of matriculation must have completed the 6 prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better in each. The application deadline is in July.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University
50 Nightingale Hall, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115,
877-668-7727
Northeastern University is a private university located on a 73-acre campus in the Fenway section of Boston, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1898 as the Evening Institute for Younger Men and classes were held at the Huntington YMCA. By 1935 day classes were added and the curriculum was expanded, leading the school to change its name to Northeastern University. Today Northeastern offers over 125 academic programs in 9 colleges and schools.
The College of Nursing was opened in 1964, and is now a school that is part of the Bouvé College of Health Sciences. The School of Nursing offers 4 options for earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Direct Entry Nursing option that allows students to earn a BSN degree after 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. The clinicals are held at top-rated Boston area hospitals and clinics, allowing students to gain experience in areas such as primary care, pediatrics, surgery, oncology, and cardiothoracic care. To qualify for this BSN second degree program, in addition to having already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing, the student must have completed the prerequisite coursework. The application deadline is in January.
Regis College
Regis College
235 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA 02493,
781-768-7000
Regis College is a private, Catholic college located on a 132-acre campus in Weston, Massachusetts, 12 miles from downtown Boston. It was founded in1927 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, and was named after Reverend Mother Mary Regis Casserly, the founder for the Sisters of St. Joseph. Originally a college for women, Regis College became coeducational in 2007. Recognized for its rigorous academics, small classes, and diverse student population, Regis now offers over 40 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The Nursing Department, established in 1983, began as a BSN degree completion program for registered nurses. The program now offers the Part-Time BS in Nursing program that allows students holding a bachelor’s degree to earn a BSN degree after 8 semesters of part-time study. This accelerated BSN program can be completed in 3 years, including summers. To qualify for this BSN second degree program, the student must also have completed the 8 prerequisite classes prior to matriculation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
University of Massachusetts at Amherst
37 Mather Drive, Amherst, MA 01003-9291,
413-545-0222
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a public college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1863 as the Massachusetts Agricultural College to provide agricultural, military and mechanical training. Over the next few decades the school expanded its curriculum to include liberal arts, and in 1931 its name was changed to Massachusetts State College. In 1947 Massachusetts State College became the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. The University of Massachusetts at Amherst has fostered a reputation as both an excellent academic institution and major research facility. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 200 academic areas as well as an online learning program.
The School of Nursing was established in 1953 and now offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The Second Bachelor’s Track provides the opportunity for students who have already received a bachelors degree to use their general education credits toward earning a BSN in an accelerated timeframe. To qualify for this 17-month BSN second degree program, the student must also have completed the 6 prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better in each. The application deadline is in February.
University of Massachusetts Boston
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125-3393,
617-287-5000
The University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston) is a public university located on a 177-acre waterfront campus in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the second largest campus in the University of Massachusetts system. UMass Boston was established in 1964 by the Massachusetts legislature. Today UMass Boston offers over 115 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 8 colleges and schools. It also offers a distance learning program as well as a corporate education program. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences is known for both its rigorous academics and its research programs. The Accelerated BSN program is an intensive program that allows students to earn the BSN degree after 15 months. To qualify for this BSN second degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes with a GPA of at least 3.5. The application deadline is in February.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Michigan
Eastern Michigan University 400 Pierce Hall, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Tel: 734-487-2483. Eastern Michigan University is a public college located on an 800-acre campus in Ypsilanti, Michigan, 8 miles east of Ann Arbor. Founded in1849 as the Michigan State Normal School, after years of expansion, in 1959 the school became a university and its name was changed to Eastern Michigan University.
Today, Eastern Michigan offers undergraduate, graduate, weekend and online academic programs. The College of Health and Human Services offers both a traditional BSN degree program and a BSN Second Degree program. This accelerated BSN track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN second 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 prerequisite classes include pathophysiology, microbiology and therapeutic human nutrition. The application deadline is in July.
Ferris State University
Ferris State University
1201 South State Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307,
231- 591-2000
Ferris State University is a public college located on an 880-acre campus on the southern edge of Big Rapids, Michigan, within walking distance of downtown. The school was established in 1884 by Woodridge Nathan Ferris as the Big Rapids Industrial School. In 1898 it was renamed Ferris Institute. Today, Ferris State University offers over 180 undergraduate and graduate academic programs in 8 colleges and schools. It has 19 off campus locations and offers extensive online learning opportunities. The School of Nursing is part of the College of Health Professions. It offers 2 tracks for obtaining a BSN degree, including the Accelerated 2nd Degree Track. This accelerated BSN track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 12 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 prerequisite classes prior to admission. Only 24 students are admitted to this competitive program each year.
Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI 49401-9403,
616-331-5000
Grand Valley State University is a public college located on a 1200-acre campus in Allendale, Michigan, 12 miles west of Grand Rapids. Additional campuses are located in Holland and downtown Grand Rapids. Grand Valley was founded in 1960 by the Michigan legislature in response to a study that indicated a need for a college in the Grand Rapids area. Today, Grand Valley offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs in 8 colleges. The Kirkhof College of Nursing at Grand Valley opened in 1973 and has earned a reputation for research with a particular focus on urban health. It offers 2 tracks for obtaining a BSN degree, including the Second Degree BSN program. This BSN accelerated program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN 2nd 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 with a grade of “C” or better in each. The application deadline is in November for May entry.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University
840 Service Road, Lansing, MI 48824,
517-335-1855
Michigan State University is a public institution located in Lansing, Michigan. Founded in 1885 as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan, after several name changes and curriculum expansion, in 1964 the name was changed to Michigan State University. Today, Michigan State offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs in 19 colleges. The Department of Nursing enrolled its first 17 students in 1950 and in 1957 became the School of Nursing. The School of Nursing now offers 3 paths to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, including the Accelerated Second Degree BSN. This accelerated BSN program allows students to earn a BSN degree after 14 months of intensive, full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN second 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 with a grade of 2.0 or better in each. The application deadline is in December to start in the summer.
Oakland University
Oakland University
2200 N. Squirrel Road, Rochester, Michigan 48309,
248-370-2100
Oakland University is a public institution located on a 1500-acre campus near Rochester, Michigan in Oakland County. It was founded in 1957 by Alfred and Matilda Wilson. Today, Oakland University offers over 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 6 colleges and schools. The Board of Trustees of Oakland University established the School of Nursing in 1974. The Accelerated Second Degree track was created in 2005, allowing students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree after 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite coursework prior to admission. The applications deadlines are in April for summer entry, August for fall entry and December for winter entry.
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Detroit Mercy
4001 W. McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221,
800-635-5020
The University of Detroit Mercy is a private, Catholic institution affiliated with the Society of Jesus and the Sisters of Mercy. It is located in Detroit, Michigan. The school traces its roots to 1877 with the founding of Detroit College and 1941 with the founding of Mercy College of Detroit. In 1990 the two colleges merged to form the University of Detroit Mercy. It is now Michigan’s largest Catholic university. Today, the University of Detroit Mercy remains committed to both quality education and service of faith. It offers 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 7 colleges and schools.
The McAuley School of Nursing offers the Second Degree Option for obtaining a BSN degree. This accelerated BSN track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 12 months of full-time classroom and clinical work beginning in either January or May. The program offers the same curriculum as the traditional BSN program, however, the classes are offered in a different sequence. 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 the11 prerequisite classes with a grade of 2.5 or better in each class. All science prerequisites must have been taken within 7 years of applying to the accelerated BSN degree program.
University of Michigan
University of Michigan
400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482,
734-763-5985
The University of Michigan is a public college located on a 3,100-acre campus in Ann Arbor Michigan, along the Huron River. It is the flagship in the University of Michigan system, with two additional campuses in Flint and Dearborn. Founded in 1817 as the Catholepistemiad by the governor of the Michigan Territory, it is Michigan’s oldest university. Today, the University of Michigan offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 20 colleges and schools. The School of Nursing at the University of Michigan opened in 1819 as the University of Michigan Training School for Nurses with 6 students. It now offers over 15 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the Accelerated Second Career BSN. This accelerated BSN track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 12 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN second degree program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the 12 prerequisite classes. The application deadline is in February for fall admission.
University of Michigan- Flint
University of Michigan- Flint
303 E Kearsley, Flint, MI 48502,
810-767-1863
The University of Michigan- Flint is a public college located in Flint, Michigan. It is one of the 3 campuses of the University of Michigan. It traces its roots to 1944 when the Flint Board of Education requested that the University of Michigan open an extension campus in Flint. In 1956 the University of Michigan opened a two-year senior college in Flint. In 1971, the Board of Regents of the University of Michigan changed the school’s name to the University of Michigan-Flint. Today, the University of Michigan- Flint offers over 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 4 colleges and schools. The Department of Nursing offers 3 paths for obtaining a BSN degree, including the Accelerated Second Degree BSN Program. This accelerated BSN track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 2 years of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN second 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 with a grade of “C+” or better in each. The application deadline is in January for fall admission.
Wayne State University
Wayne State University
College of Nursing, 5557 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48202,
313-577-4082
Wayne State University is a public college located on a 203-acre campus in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, surrounded by museums, galleries and theatres. Wayne State traces its roots to the founding of Detroit Medical College in 1868 and Detroit Normal Training School in 1881. Today, Wayne State offers 400 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 13 colleges and schools. It is the third largest university in Michigan. The College of Nursing at Wayne State opened in 1945 and has earned a reputation for research with a particular focus on urban health. It offers 2 tracks for obtaining a BSN degree, including the BSN Second Career Degree track. This accelerated BSN track allows students to earn a BSN degree after 16 months of full-time classroom and clinical work. To qualify for this BSN second 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 with a grade of “C” or better in each. The application deadline is in March.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Minnesota
College of St. Scholastica 1200 Kenwood Avenue, Duluth, MN 55811. Tel: 800-447-5444. The College of St. Scholastica is a private, Catholic college located on a 186-acre campus in Duluth, Minnesota, on a hill overlooking Lake Superior. It was founded in 1912 by a group of Benedictine Sisters.
Today, the College of St. Scholastica has expanded to offer over 20 degree programs, while maintaining the Catholic Benedictine values upon which it was founded. The School of Nursing is one of the largest nursing schools in Minnesota. For clinical experience students have access to over 100 hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities in both rural and urban settings. The Post Baccalaureate Nursing Program is designed for students with college degrees in non-nursing majors, who wish to become registered nurses. It is available on the Duluth campus and online. This accelerated BSN program allows students to complete the nursing coursework and clinicals in 4 consecutive semesters over 15 months. To qualify for this 2nd degree BSN program, the student must also have completed the 7 prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better in each. The application deadline is in November.
Concordia College
Concordia College
901 8th Street S., Moorhead, MN 56562,
218-299-4000
Concordia College is a private, Christian institution located on a 113-acre campus in Moorhead, Minnesota. It was founded in 1891 by Norwegian clergy and laypersons who settled in the area. Today, it offers a curriculum that integrates Christian and global perspectives. Concordia College offers 61 majors and 12 pre-professional programs. The nursing program offers an Accelerated Nursing program that allows students who already have a bachelors degree to add a nursing major to that degree after 18 months of study. This accelerated program does not lead to second bachelor degree. To qualify for this ABSN (Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, the student must have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and must have completed the prerequisite classes with a grade of “C” or better in each. The prerequisite courses include: chemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, general psychology, general sociology, developmental psychology and college algebra. The application deadline is in February for May entry.
Accelerated BSN Programs in Mississippi
University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216. Tel: 601-984-6200. The University of Mississippi Medical Center is the health sciences campus of the University of Mississippi. Located in Jackson, Mississippi, it is the only academic health sciences school in the state of Mississippi. It includes the School of Nursing, the School of Medicine, the School of Dentistry, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Health Related Professions and the School of Graduate Studies.
The School of Nursing was established in 1948 and is the state’s oldest nursing school. It is affiliated with over 200 hospitals clinics and other medical facilities, providing students with extensive opportunities for clinical experience.
The School of Nursing offers both a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program and the Accelerated BSN program (ABSN). This 15-month accelerated 2nd degree BSN program is geared toward students who have already earned a bachelors degree in a field other than nursing and would like to now pursue a career in nursing. Students entering this program must have completed the 63 hours of prerequisite classwork, including the general education classes that are typically completed while earning the first bachelors degree. All other prerequisite science and math classes may be completed at the university, college or community college of the student’s choice. These classes include General Chemistry I with lab, Biology Elective with lab¸ Microbiology, Human Anatomy and Physiology I with lab, Human Anatomy and Physiology II with lab, College Algebra or higher-level math, Introduction to Computer Use, and Statistics. The application deadline is in January.
