Post-Baccalaureate Accelerated Second-Degree Nursing Program

The one-year accelerated second degree BSN program is specifically designed for the individual holding a bachelors degree in another field who is drawn to the rich and diverse experience that nursing offers. This intensive 12-month program allows students to master clinical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to assume nursing’s vital role in today’s dynamic healthcare environment.

Students will be able to change careers efficiently in a climate that recognizes their previous experiences. This program consists of three semesters (summer, fall, and spring) and each semester is divided into two seven-to-eight-week sessions. On a limited basis, a two-year accelerated option is available for students who would like to advance at a less intense pace.

BSN Program Accreditation
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, Master's degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Bellarmine University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). BSN Program approved by Kentucky Board of Nursing.

BSN Program Purpose
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is to provide basic professional education. Graduates are prepared to function independently or in collaboration with other health care providers to serve individuals and families in hospitals and community settings. The program is designed to encourage students’ active participation in achieving program outcomes. Upon completion of the program, the graduates will have a recognition of and desire for continuing professional development and a sound foundation for pursuing graduate education in nursing. Upon successful completion of the BSN requirements graduates are eligible to apply for licensure through their state board of nursing and sit for the NCLEX-RN examination.

KBN Regulation Regarding Denial of RN Licensure
Beginning January 1, 1998, an applicant shall not be eligible for the NCLEX examination or licensure if the applicant has been convicted (1) of an applicable felony (as listed in the regulation) within five years of the date of filing an application or (2) of a misdemeanor (as listed in the regulation) within two years of filing an application. See statute KRS 314.091(1) b.

Technical Standards
Each student must be able to meet the basic technical standards of performance necessary for the practice of nursing for admission and progression in the program of study.

The bachelor’s degree program curriculum is designed to provide the education necessary for the practice of nursing as a generalist. Students build on the fundamental principles of nursing, acquire skills of critical judgment based on education and experience, and develop an ability to use principles and skills wisely in decision-making and problem-solving pertaining to the delivery of high-quality nursing services. Undergraduate students are expected to fulfill the following technical standards:

• Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in the basic and applied sciences, including but not limited to information conveyed through lectures, group seminars, small group activities and physical demonstrations.

• Acquire information from written documents and computer-information systems (including literature searches and data retrieval), and identify information presented in images from paper, video, transparencies, and slides.

• Use and interpret information from diagnostic maneuvers (e.g., sphygmomanometer, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, etc.), and other diagnostic representations of physiological phenomena during the course of conducting a comprehensive physical assessment of a client.

• Accurately elicit information, including a medical history and other information required to evaluate a client’s condition adequately and effectively.

• Synthesize information to develop a plan of care.

• Problem solve and think critically to judge which theory and/or strategy of assessment and intervention is most appropriate.

• Exercise proper judgment, timely and accurately complete responsibilities attendant to the delivery of care to clients.

• Maintain effective, mature, and sensitive relationships with clients, students, faculty, staff and other professionals under all circumstances.

• Perform specific procedures and interventions (e.g., Basic Life Support techniques) sufficient to provide safe and effective nursing care according to prescribed therapeutic regimens.

• Communicate effectively and efficiently with faculty, patients, families and all members of the health care team about a patient’s condition as called for under the circumstances.

• Practice in a safe manner and respond appropriately to emergencies and urgencies.

• Demonstrate the ability to deliver safe patient care while under stress and/or in changing environments inherent in the clinical practice of nursing.

• Practice universal precautions against contamination and cross contamination with infectious pathogens (e.g., wearing personal protective equipment, working with sharp objects and hazardous chemicals, treating clients with infectious diseases).

Upon admission, a candidate who discloses a disability and requests accommodation will be referred to the Accommodations and Support Services Office. The University will provide reasonable accommodations but is not required to make modifications that would substantially alter the nature or requirements of a program or provide auxiliary aids that present an undue burden to the University. To matriculate or continue in the curriculum, the candidate must be able to perform all the essential functions outlined in the Technical Standards either with or without accommodation.

Admission Requirements to the BSN Accelerated Track

1. Completed bachelor's degree or higher in any discipline from a regionally accredited college or university.

2. Minimum prerequisite GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.

3. Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
       • Grade of C or better in Anatomy and Physiology I and II
       • Grade of B– or better in all other natural science and nutrition prerequisite courses 
       • Grade of C or better in all other prerequisites courses

4. Applicants who do not have a minimum 2.75 cumulative undergraduate GPA will be reviewed for admission if they meet the following requirements:
       • Prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher
       • Grades of C or higher in Anatomy & Physiology I and II
       • Grades of B- or higher in Microbiology and Nutrition
       • No prerequisite grade below a C

5. Visit www.nursingcas.org to complete your application.
       • Submit a personal statement which describes experiences which have led you to consider nursing as a career.
       • The Office of Admission reserves the right to request additional information or a personal interview.

6. Provide one of the following prior to the first day of nursing courses to fulfil the nurse aide training requirement:
       • Documentation of successful completion of a Medicaid approved Certified Nurse Aide or State Registered Nurse Aide course. Students do not need to complete the state certification examination, OR
       • Documentation of work experience equivalent to a Certified Nurse Aide or State Registered Nurse Aide course (An official letter confirming work experience from a direct supervisor) OR
       • Successful completion of NURS110 with a minimum grade of a B-

7. If any transcripts or undergraduate degree(s) are from an international institution, you must provide an official copy of a third-party course by course credential evaluation to Nursing CAS. Information regarding processes and fees is available at: www.aacrao.org/international/, www.wes.org and www.ece.org.

8. Language Proficiency:

The Nursing Program requires an official TOEFL iBT (Test of English as Foreign Language internet-based test) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score for verification of language proficiency for applicants who possess any of these criteria:

1.       Born outside the US
2.       English is not primary language
3.       Obtained a degree or required admission pre-requisites from a non-US institution

For consideration of admission, the Nursing Department requires the following evidence of language proficiency:

>TOEFL-iBT total score of 83 or higher AND a speaking score of 26 or higher OR
>IELTS total band score of 7 or higher AND a speaking band score of 8 or higher

Only official score reports will be accepted, and score reports must be sent directly to Bellarmine University Admissions.

The Nursing Program reserves the right to require a TOEFL or IELTS from any applicant.  Alternatively, students may petition to use one of the following requirements to document English-language proficiency:

>Degree completion from a TOEFL exempt country OR
>Successful completion of Language training at an approved center

Bellarmine University recognizes the following standards and centers. The Nursing Admissions, Progression & Graduation Committee may use discretion and approve other centers.

>English Language Services level 112 (https://www.els.edu/english-programs/intensive-english)
>Interlink Level 5 (http://interlink.edu/)
>Intensive English Program at Indiana University Level 6 (http://iep.indiana.edu/)