Accelerated BSN (Nursing) Programs for B.S. Graduates
What is the accelerated Bachelors of Nursing (BSN) option?
There are several types of bachelor of science and master of science programs under the heading of "accelerated nursing" programs. The type of accelerated program described here refers to the option of earning a second BSN degree after one has completed a non-nursing B.S. degree.
The accelerated BSN Degree offers a mechanism for students, particularly graduates in the biosciences, to earn a second Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Accelerated BSN programs usually take 12 months to complete, though some programs may run for 16 to 20 months. A 3.0 GPA in the first degree is often an entrance requirement for Accelerated BSN programs and admission into the programs are fairly competitive. In addition to giving you credit for having completed your liberal arts requirements, an Accelerated BSN program will allow the student to complete the undergraduate nursing course requirements more quickly than a student enrolled in a traditional BSN program. The 12-20 month format is designed to provide students with the theory and clinical knowledge necessary to practice in the changing field of nursing. Following completion of the program, the student is eligible to sit for the RN licensure examination (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses or NCLEX-RN).
The BSN is a stepping-stone to most masters programs in nursing, including the specialty of nurse anesthesia (CRNA).
Nursing Schools in the Region Offering the Accelerated BSN Option
Research College of Nursing/Rockhurst University - Kansas City
Saint Louis University - St. Louis
University of Missouri - St. Louis - St. Louis
Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences - Springfield, MO
Creighton University School of Nursing
Other schools include the University of Missouri - Columbia and William Jewell College.
For More Information
Contact the Department of Nursing or the following advisor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences:
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Southwest Missouri State University
Springfield, Missouri 65804
(417) 836-5603