Accelerated Second Degree (ASD), Nursing

Application Deadlines:

• Feb. 1: Priority Deadline
• May 1: Regular Deadline

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.

• Anatomy and Physiology I
• Anatomy and Physiology II
• Microbiology
• Statistics
• Chemistry

Application Deadlines:

• Feb. 1: Priority Deadline
• May 1: Regular Deadline

Required Materials:

• 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

The mission of the USJ Department of Nursing is to provide a rigorous professional education to a diverse population, built on a firm foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, that prepares students for leadership roles at all levels of nursing practice. The Department is committed to supporting holistic growth, fostering strong ethical values, providing an environment of equity and inclusion, promoting personal integrity, and preparing students committed to social justice.

USJ offers off-campus housing at the Millennium in downtown Hartford. Click here to learn more.

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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 one prerequisite course 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 in-progress prerequisite course.

No. Those with an F-1 visa cannot apply, as you must be enrolled for one year prior to starting your clinical rotations, and our ASD program starts clinicals almost immediately.

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).