Accelerated Second-Degree BSN programs, like the one at Bellarmine University, are extremely attractive to people who have a previous degree and want to quickly change careers. But you may worry that you don’t have what it takes to apply.

In my 20 years of working with prospective nursing students, one of the most common concerns I hear is, “I want to be a nurse, but I don’t have any science courses.”

Let me reassure you: It’s OK if you haven’t taken science courses! I’ve seen students with a wide variety of majors become successful in a wide variety of nursing practice options. You definitely are not at a disadvantage if you weren’t a biology major.

The point is, you had the grit to finish a bachelor’s degree. You can absolutely do it again in a second-degree program—you just need to complete the right pre-requisite coursework.

The good news is that Bellarmine’s Accelerated Second-Degree BSN has only seven pre-requisites: Anatomy & Physiology (I and II), Microbiology, Nutrition, Ethics, Lifespan Development Psychology, and Statistics. These can be completed at any regionally accredited college or university, and you can take them in-person or online—whichever method works best for you.

Even better news: You don’t have to be finished with those prerequisites to apply! We admit students conditionally while they’re finishing the required coursework. That means you can finish the pre-reqs knowing you have a position in the BSN program. You don’t have to wait to find out if you’re admitted!

I’ll be happy to review your transcript and provide feedback about the pre-requisite courses you’ve already completed and what you may still need to complete.

Submit your transcript for review today. You may be closer to fulfilling your dream than you realize!

Julie Armstrong-Binnix, MEd

Assistant Dean of Graduate Admission
and Strategic Operations
Bellarmine University