Bachelor of Science in Nursing for Second Degree Students (BSN)
For applicants seeking a career change who hold undergraduate degrees in other majors and are interested in becoming a registered nurse.
Approximately 40% of our BSN class has degrees in other areas before pursuing nursing. Our BSN second degree students have backgrounds in a variety of disciplines, from the humanities to the sciences and engineering, before discovering their interest in nursing.
Applicants interested in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing for second degree students are required to complete seven prerequisite courses. These required prerequisites may have already been completed during previous undergraduate studies. Any remaining prerequisites can be completed at any accredited college, community college or university. Students may apply and be admitted while the prerequisites are in progress. All required courses must be completed before enrolling in the BSN program in the fall semester.
The BSN for second degree students is designed to be completed in four semesters of full-time enrollment (fall, spring, fall, spring). Students are awarded a BSN and spend the summer after graduating taking the NCLEX exam to secure RN licensure.
The School of Nursing Selects Applicants who are best qualified academically and who have the greatest potential for success in the BSN and MSN programs. We evaluate all undergraduate course work and give preference to applicants with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Applications and supporting credentials sent before or postmarked by January 15th will be given priority for admission and merit based scholarships. However, applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed on a space available basis after the 15th.
Required prerequisites for the Bachelor of Science in nursing for second degree applicants:
Physical Sciences – 5 courses
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II (with an organic component) or Organic Chemistry
Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (including lab)*
Microbiology (including lab)*
*Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II and Microbiology including respective labs must have been taken within seven years prior to application.
Math - 1 course
Introductory Statistics
Social Science -1 course
Human Growth and Development or Life Span Development
