Earn a B.S. in Nursing through our 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).
USJ Rankings
#10 Nationwide, Best Nursing Colleges, and #1 in New England College Factual Sourced By: The Institute of Education Sciences (IES)
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 the 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
Advantages
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)
The 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.
Note: The following are the five (5) 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).
An earned grade of B- or better is required in all science prerequisite courses.
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
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
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All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to application submission. All final official transcripts must be received at USJ for full admission.
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.
No, the ASD program is not considered a full-time program of study.
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.
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.
Due to the rigor and intensity of the ASD Program, working full-time is not recommended. You might consider part-time employment.
Tuition and fees for the current academic year may be viewed on our Tuition & Fees page.
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).
Questions?
Contact: Office of Admissions Phone: 860.231.5216 Email: [email protected]
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