;)
Accelerated Second Degree (ASD), Nursing
Earn a B.S. in Nursing through this accelerated, competitive program
USJ’s Accelerated Second Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (ASD) offers students with baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines the opportunity to gain a B.S. with a concentration in Nursing.
Students who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree in another discipline may apply for admission to the Accelerated Second Degree in Nursing. Students in the ASD program are awarded a Bachelor of Science degree upon completion of Nursing academic requirements. Graduates of the ASD program will then be eligible to take the National Council licensing examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse (NCLEX).
Contact us for more information about this highly competitive program.
The University of Saint Joseph was my first and only choice when selecting an accelerated nursing program for those with a previous Bachelor’s degree. I would recommend the ASD program at the University of Saint Joseph to any student who values mentorship.
– Michael Andrews ’16
Program Fact Sheet Program Curriculum
Program Benefits
- Study in USJ’s state-of-the-art facilities alongside highly qualified Nursing faculty
- Complete all Nursing courses over 15 months (two summers and one full academic year – May through August)
Accelerated Second Degree (ASD) Criteria
Application deadline is February 1 of each year for the May Cohort of each year.
All Accelerated Second Degree (ASD) in Nursing program applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
- Conferral of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university prior to the start of the ASD Program in May of each year.
- All final official transcripts for any ASD prerequisite courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 across all college or university courses taken.
- Grade of B minus (B-) or better in all science prerequisite courses.
- It is required that all science prerequisite courses must be taken within the last five (5) years. All non-science courses must have been completed within the last five (5) years.
- Only one repeated science prerequisite course is permitted.
- Admitted students must also complete a criminal background check and pass a drug screening with an acceptable outcome before taking their first nursing course.
Application Process
- Complete the online USJ Undergraduate Student application
- Submit all official transcripts. USJ participates in multiple eTranscript services; you may have your institution submit an eTranscript to: [email protected]. If your institution only mails physical transcripts, have them mail to: University of Saint Joseph, Attn: Office of Admissions, 1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 061178
- One letter of recommendation, academic or professional
- Program essay, one to two pages in length, addressing your decision to transition to a career in nursing.
- Current resume
Checklist of ASD Program Prerequisite Courses
Note: The following are the nine (9) ASD Program Prerequisite Courses (If taking course prerequisites at another institution, please refer to the University of Saint Joseph’s Academic Catalog (under Program Curriculum option below) for course descriptions to ensure course content is met. Or, use this link for online Transfer Equivalencies).
- Elementary Statistics (3 credits)
- General Biology* (4 credits) (Science Prerequisite Course). This course will be waived for students who have earned a grade of B or better in Anatomy and Physiology I* and II* and Microbiology*.
- Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits) (Science Prerequisite Course)
- Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits) (Science Prerequisite Course)
- Principles of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry (4 credits) (Science Prerequisite Course) [satisfied outside of USJ with General Chemistry II and Introduction to Organic Chemistry]
- Microbiology (4 credits) (Science Prerequisite Course)
- Biochemistry of the Human Body (4 credits) (Science Prerequisite Course)
- Nutrition (3 credits)
- Human Development Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out more information about the ASD Program?
Regular information sessions are conducted at the University. Click here to RSVP for the next available session.
When should I formally apply for admission to the ASD Program?
All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to application submission. All final official transcripts must be received at USJ for full admission.
I am currently taking my last prerequisite course(s). What documentation do I provide?
Not more than two prerequisite courses may be in progress at the time of formal application and may be evidenced with mid-term grades and an official transcript as proof of enrollment at the time of application. Admission is contingent upon successful completion of all in progress prerequisite courses.
I am currently an international student studying in the United States on a student visa, may I apply to the program?
No, the ASD program is not considered a full-time program of study.
My baccalaureate was conferred outside of the United States, may I apply to the program?
Yes, an official international transcript evaluation from any NACES member organization must be submitted to the Office of Admissions; World Education Service (WES) is preferred.
Who makes the admission decision?
Admission decisions are made by the Director of the ASD Program in consultation with the Chair of Nursing, but the admission process is centralized in the Office of Admissions.
May I work full-time or part-time during the ASD Program?
Due to the rigor and intensity of the ASD Program, working full-time is not recommended. You might consider part-time employment.
What is the cost of the program?
Tuition and fees for the current academic year may be viewed on our Tuition & Fees page.
Are students required to take an exit exam in order to graduate from the ASD Program?
The Comprehensive Examination is a University-wide requirement for all graduating seniors and is given to determine basic competence in their area of study. Successful completion of the ASD Program prepares graduates to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (NCLEX – RN).
Program Outcomes
- Integrate the aesthetics and empirics of nursing with the natural/behavior sciences, the humanities, and interprofessional education to provide holistic care for individuals, families, groups, communities and populations.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills in leadership that promote quality improvement and patient safety.
- Implements an evidence-based and theoretically guided framework for nursing practice including the five patterns of knowing in nursing and transition theory
- Utilize data from diverse sources with knowledge and skill in informatics and patient care technology to promote safety and optimal patient outcomes.
- Appraise and respond to the economic, legal, political, and social issues that impact health and wellness of individuals, families, groups, communities and populations through emancipatory knowing.
- Communicate and collaborate with other members of the health care team to advocate for high quality and safe patient care.
- Deliver culturally appropriate nursing care through health promotion and disease prevention to populations on a local and global level.
- Assume responsibility and accountability for ethical professional behavior and nursing care.
- Demonstrate competent nursing practice in diverse settings caring for individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations.
