Accelerated Second Degree Information
About the Program
The one-year accelerated second degree BSN program is specifically designed for the individual holding a bachelors degree in another field who is drawn to the rich and diverse experience that nursing offers. This intensive 12-month program allows students to master clinical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to assume nursing’s vital role in today’s dynamic healthcare environment. Students will be able to change careers efficiently in a climate that recognizes your previous experiences. This program consists of three semesters and each semester is divided into two seven-week sessions.
We also offer a two-year accelerated option and a three-year part time option. These formats are designed for people who want to become a registered nurse but would like to advance at a less intense pace. Space is limited in these special formats.
Students in the Second Degree BSN Program: - master clinical skills and theoretical knowledge
- find opportunity to change careers efficiently
- experience a climate that recognizes personal experiences
- builds on the strength of previous education
All full-time nursing faculty are registered nurses (RNs). The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW #530, Washington, DC 20036, tel. 202.887.6791.
Accelerated Second Degree Course Requirements
Read course descriptions and degree requirements here.
Purpose
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is to provide basic professional education. Graduates are prepared to function independently or in collaboration with other health care providers to serve individuals and families in hospitals and community settings. The program is designed to encourage students’ active participation in achieving program outcomes. Upon completion of the program, the graduates will have a recognition of and desire for continuing professional development and a sound foundation for pursuing graduate education in nursing.
Graduates of the BSN program will be able to:
- Demonstrate the application of critical thinking skills.
- Communicate effectively through oral, written, and technological means.
- Use therapeutic nursing interventions in accordance with the ANA standards of care.
- Function as a professional in accordance with the ANA standards of professional performance.
- Develop caring relationships that facilitate health and healing.
- Demonstrate leadership and political awareness to foster advocacy, health promotion, and health care delivery.
- Provide service to the profession and community.
- Possess the foundation for graduate education and the pursuit of lifelong learning.
Admission Information
Bellarmine University is currently accepting applications for the May 2013 cohort. All applicants must apply using the Nursing CAS centralized application service at www.nursingcas.org. Nursing CAS will collect all admission materials and provide them to Bellarmine University. Nursing CAS will not provide any application to us until it is complete. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor application status on the Nursing CAS website to ensure it is complete.
Upon admission to the program, a $100 non-refundable tuition deposit will be due to hold your spot in the May 2013 class. Your admission status letter will give instructions on where to mail the deposit. Click to download the Accelerated Second Degree BSN Information Packet (pdf).
Program Admission Requirements
- All applicants must apply through the centralized application service, Nursing CAS. Please visit www.nursingcas.org to complete your application. The application fee is $45.
- Upon admission to the program, a $100 non-refundable tuition deposit will be due to reserve entrance to the May 2013 class.
- Because students cannot be enrolled in prerequisite courses while enrolled in the Accelerated BSN program, you must provide proof that you have completed all academic requirements by 7:00 a.m. on Monday, May 6, 2013. An unofficial transcript or grade report will be acceptable. However, you must have all final, official transcript(s) mailed directly from your previous institution(s) to our Office of Admission by May 31, 2013. Nursing CAS does not provide your official transcript(s) to Bellarmine University.
- Complete a bachelors degree or higher in any discipline from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale
- Grade of B- or better in all prerequisite natural science and nutrition courses
- Grade of C or better in all other prerequisites courses
- Applicants who do not have a minimum 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA will be reviewed for admission if they meet the following requirements: prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher; grades of B or higher in Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology and Nutrition; and no prerequisite grade below a C.
- Submit a personal statement which describes experiences which have led you to consider nursing as a career.
- The Office of Graduate Admission reserves the right to request additional information or a personal interview.
- Provide to Bellarmine proof of successful completion of a Medicaid approved Certified Nurse Aide course prior to March 15 of the program year. Students do not need to complete the state certification examination.
- If any transcript(s) or undergraduate degree(s) is from an international institution, you must provide an official copy of a third party course by course credential evaluation to Nursing CAS and Bellarmine University. The following organizations offer this service and information regarding processes and fees are available at: www.aacrao.org, www.wes.org, and www.ece.org. The Office of Graduate Admission reserves the right to request a certified copy of the original transcript(s).
- Upon admission, you must have ALL final, official transcripts mailed directly from any institution in which you were ever enrolled to our Office of Graduate Admission. Official transcripts are not marked “Issued to Student”. Nursing CAS does not provide your official transcript(s) to Bellarmine University.
- If your undergraduate degree is from an international institution, you were born outside the United States, or English is your second language, you will be required to take the TOEFLiBT (internet-based test) and receive a total score of 83 or higher and a 26 or higher on the speaking test. The Nursing Admission, Progression and Graduation Committee reserves the right to require a TOEFL from any applicant. The official TOEFL score should be sent directly to Bellarmine University.
International Applicants
Please complete the items under Procedure for Admission and submit the following:
U.S. law requires financial statements from a bank or other financial institution certifying the student’s ability to fund the cost of attendance for one academic year minus the amount of any scholarship dollars received. Figures should be in U.S. dollars and must be certified as an official document by the bank or financial institution. A sponsor may be used if the sponsor attaches a signed affidavit stating that he/she will financially support the student until completion of a degree at Bellarmine University. If a sponsor is used, the sponsor’s bank statement should accompany the letter. The amount that would need to be shown is $48,802. This amount includes tuition and fees associated with the program and an average cost for living expenses, books, supplies, health insurance, transportation and personal expenses.
Get Started
If you have questions about previous coursework or you would like to have your transcripts reviewed, contact Julie Armstrong-Binnix, Graduate Admission Officer, at julieab@bellarmine.edu, 502.272.8364 or 800.274.4723 x 8364.
Visit www.nursingcas.org to begin the application process. Also be sure to visit our frequently asked questions page and our program preparation page to learn more about what to expect from this program. Further, if you are interested in taking any of your prerequisites at Louisville area colleges/universities, please review this list of appropriate courses.
Prerequisite courses - Developmental Psychology
- Statistics
- Nutrition
- Ethics
- Microbiology
- Anatomy & Physiology (6 - 8 hours, may be taken as A&P I and II or as one semester of Anatomy and one of semester Physiology)
Financial Information
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You may complete the FAFSA here. As a second degree student in the accelerated nursing program, you are eligible only for federal student loans. (Generally UP TO 12,500 per academic year - this amount is affected by any outside funding assistance you may receive). The amount of student loan assistance available during pre-requisite coursework is also determined by the FAFSA.
Many hospitals in our area offer funding assistance in return for a work contract upon graduation. Review the Hospital Recruiter List for contact information and assistance with those scholars program.
KBN Regulation on Mandatory Reporting of Criminal Convictions
Kentucky Board of Nursing Regulatory Requirements for Mandatory Reporting of Criminal Convictions with Application for RN Licensure
An applicant for an RN license in Kentucky must report and submit documentation of felonies and/or misdemeanors. The applicant is required to report and submit the following documentation on the RN license application under CRIMINAL HISTORY:
- All felonies: Certified court documents and a detailed letter of explanation
- All misdemeanors received within 5 years of the date of application: Certified court documents and a detailed letter of explanation
- All DUIs (Driving Under the Influence): Certified court documents and a detailed letter of explanation
- All misdemeanors received prior to 5 years of the date of application: No documentation required
- Traffic offenses, OTHER THAN DUIs, do not have to be reported.
"The statute [KRS 314.091(1)(b)] states that the Kentucky Board of Nursing may take action on any felony or a misdemeanor that involved drugs, alcohol, fraud, deceit, falsification of records, a breach of trust, physical harm or endangerment to others, dishonesty, or sexual offenses. The Kentucky Board of Nursing can deny an application for a license for criminal convictions(s). Denial of licensure is a formal disciplinary action."
Learn More
If you have questions after reviewing the above details, you may contact Julie Armstrong-Binnix, Graduate Admission Officer, at julieab@bellarmine.edu. You may also contact the Office of Graduate Admission at 502.272.8258, 800.274.4723 x 8258 or at gradadmissions@bellarmine.edu. Also, if you live in the area please plan to attend an Information Session to learn more about the program.
The Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs
