Is there someone who can review my transcripts and provide information about the program?
Yes, simply complete the form on our Graduate & Second Degree - Transcript Review page. Please attach unofficial copies of your transcripts.
How do I apply?
Complete the application at www.nursingcas.org. Keep in mind that it takes Nursing CAS 4-6 weeks to verify your application after you submit it to them, so do not delay in creating, completing and submitting your application.
We consider applicants for conditional admission pending successful completion of outstanding requirements. You should apply even if you’re finishing your first degree or you’re enrolled in pre-requisite courses – don’t wait to apply.
Visit our Nursing CAS Application channel for video tutorials about creating and completing your Nursing CAS application.
When should I submit my application?
The priority application deadline is November 1. We encourage students to apply as soon as possible as this allows ample time to complete the immunizations and background check.
May I apply while enrolled in prerequisite courses?
Yes, we strongly encourage you to apply before you complete the prerequisite courses. We will consider your application for conditional admission pending successful completion of all outstanding requirements.
When do you make admission decisions and how soon will I know if I am admitted?
We offer rolling admission. We review applications continuously make admission decisions as we receive applications.
Can I take the prerequisite courses online?
You can take prerequisite courses at any regionally accredited college/university in-class or online.
Do I need to complete an entrance exam for admission consideration?
No, we do not require entrance exams such as the TEAS for admission consideration.
What other requirements will I need to complete prior to starting the program?
C.N.A training and CPR certification are not required for conditional admission, but are required to enter the program.
We require specifically American Heart Association BLS CPR and cannot accept any other CPR. Find a provider near you at www.heart.org.
You will also need to submit a specific immunization record, mandatory drug test, and blood test for TB. We will provide information about document these items upon admission.
What is the Accelerated Second Degree
program like?
Students attend classes two to three days a week and are in
clinical (hospitals, clinics, and other health-care settings)
two to three days a week, Monday through Friday; the exact
schedule varies each semester. It is possible that you could
have a clinical rotation on a weekend, however students who
may be assigned to a weekend clinical would have a day off
during the week so that they would only have class/clinical
five days per week. Students complete courses and clinicals
in all the major sub-specialty areas including adult health,
women’s health, pediatrics, psychiatric-mental health, critical
care, and community health nursing. Because of the intense
nature of the program students are strongly advised not to
work while in the program.
What are students in the program like?
Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and majors.
They enter this program either because they always wanted
to be a nurse but were unable to find a program they could
finish in a reasonable amount of time or because they wanted
a career with better advancement opportunities, salaries, and
benefits. Bellarmine attracts students from areas across the
country including California, Washington, Oregon, Maryland,
Tennessee, Wisconsin and Michigan. Students range in age
from 21-65+ and the average age is 32. About 10% to 15%
of students are men. Generally, half the students are married
and many have children. Students in the program tend to be
close-knit and supportive of each other and they enjoy a close
working relationship with the faculty.
What can I do with this degree?
There are many opportunities for full- and part-time work
in nursing. While the greatest numbers of opportunities are
in critical care, medical-surgical, surgery, emergency room,
and long-term care settings, there are also many opportunities
in psychiatric-mental health, forensics, women’s health,
pediatrics, community health, case management and administration.
There is also a need for nurses with advanced degrees
to teach in schools of nursing, work as nurse practitioners,
nurse anesthetists and as administrators.
This program prepares students for graduate school, including
the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Bellarmine.
Bellarmine’s MSN program offers three tracks of study:
Nursing Education, Nursing Administration, and Family
Nurse Practitioner. We also offer a post-master’s Doctor of
Nursing Practice program with tracks in Advanced Practice
Nursing or Advanced Leadership.
Where do Bellarmine students complete clinical
experiences?
Louisville is fortunate to have a diverse array of clinical
sites. Our students are assigned to clinicals with the goal of
exposing them to a variety of experiences and opportunities
within nursing. We have clinical agreements with all
the major metropolitan acute care hospitals as well as other
community settings.
Do I need previous health care experience?
While work or volunteer experience is advantageous it is not
required. However, because students begin clinical skills
the first day of the program we do require completion of the
Certified Nurse Aide course. If you are interested in getting
a job or volunteer experience in the health care field, talk
with an advisor.
What is the NCLEX-RN (licensure exam)?
Students graduate with a baccalaureate degree in nursing, but
to become a registered nurse you must pass the RN licensure
exam. The national licensure exam for registered nurses is
called the NCLEX-RN. Bellarmine students complete a semester
long NCLEX preparation class in the spring semester
before graduation.
What is Bellarmine’s NCLEX-RN pass rate?
The 2019 first time pass rate was 90% and we are consistently above the national, regional, and local pass rates.
Over the last 5 years, Bellarmine graduates have averaged a 93% first time pass rate (data from the Kentucky Board of Nursing website).
Is there funding assistance available for
this program?
Independent second degree students are eligible to borrow
up to $12,500 each academic year for tuition and related
expenses. Dependent second degree students are eligible to
borrow up to $7,500 each academic year for tuition and related
expenses. The accelerated BSN program is considered two
academic years (even though it is one calendar year) because
the summer is an extension of the previous academic
year. Therefore, you are eligible to borrow up to $25,000 as
an independent student or $15,000 as a dependent student
for the Accelerated BSN. To apply for federal direct loans,
visit www.fafsa.gov.
Please note if you have used loan eligibility while completing
pre-requisite courses during the fall and spring semesters
prior to starting the program, it could affect the amount for
which you are eligible to borrow the first semester (summer)
of the program.
You can also apply for alternative loans. Alternative loans have
a slightly higher interest rate than the federal Stafford loans
and are based on credit worthiness. Students can borrow up
to the cost of attendance in alternative loans.
Visit the Bellarmine Financial Aid website for information
about applying for alternative loans as well as comprehensive
advice about financial aid.
Some hospitals also offer scholarship-to-work opportunities
that will help you finance your nursing education. Visit your
local hospitals’ website(s) or contact their Human Resources
departments to learn about opportunities in your area.