• Accelerated (16-month) program: This program follows a cohort model and continues throughout four consecutive terms (Fall, Spring, Summer, and Fall).
• Traditional (21-month) program: Students progress through the program independently and attend class during the traditional academic year (Fall, Spring, Fall, Spring). Students do not attend class during the summer to allow time for internships and work.

The chart below provides a summary of courses required for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the Second Degree Track.  Many of the courses require specific prerequisites within the curriculum that affect progression toward the degree.

Introductory nursing courses are offered in first two semesters of study and must be successfully completed before enrolling in upper level nursing coursework.

Foundation courses provide a foundation of knowledge for nurse education without an experiential component.

Experiential courses are experiential in nature or prepare students for clinical experiences.

Candidates are required to meet the following minimum criteria to be considered for admission into the Second Degree Track:

• • The student must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to the start of the program.
  • The student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in prerequisite courses.
  • The student must demonstrate understanding of and commitment to an intensive program.

Applicants who meet this criteria are eligible for consideration, but acceptance is not guaranteed.

Letters of recommendation are not required, but applicants are welcome to submit up to two letters from academic and/or professional references to their NursingCAS application.

Applicants will be required to submit a one-two page Personal Statement as a part of their NursingCAS application. We encourage applicants to discuss their journey into the nursing profession, highlighting any experience in the healthcare field or any meaningful interactions with the healthcare industry.

• Microbiology (4 credit hours with lab; online credits not accepted )
• Human Anatomy and Physiology I  (4 credit hours with lab completed within 5 years of entry into the program; online credits not accepted)
• Human Anatomy and Physiology II  (4 credit hours with lab completed within 5 years of entry into the program; online credits not accepted)
• General Chemistry (3 credit hours)
• General Psychology (3 credit hours)
• Life Span Development (3 credit hours)
• Nutrition (3 credit hours)
• Statistics (3 credit hours)
• Religion Courses (6 credit hours)
  • Option A: An Old Testament course (3 credit hours) and a New Testament Course (3 credit hours)
  • Option B: A Bible course which includes study of both the Old Testament and New Testament (3 credit hours) and any other Religion course (3 credit hours)

Application Steps

1. Create an account for your online application at https://nursingcas.liaisoncas.org/apply/.
2. Log in to your application and complete all sections as directed.
3. As part of your application, enter all previously completed (and yet to be completed) college courses (you will need a copy of transcripts from all colleges attended to do this).
4. As part of your application (in the Colleges Attended section), download Transcript Request Forms for each college attended to arrange for an official transcript to be sent to NursingCAS.
5. As part of your application, complete all sections in the Program Materials area.  Click on each tab at the top of the program page for instructions.
6. Submit your completed application to NursingCAS with the appropriate program designated (priority deadline is January 8, 2021).
7. Wait to hear from Belmont University via email regarding the status of your application.  Update your application file as necessary.
8. Accepted applicants must confirm their attendance by submitting a non-refundable enrollment deposit as instructed.

Tuition is the same for this program as it is for any undergraduate program at Belmont. For a detailed listing of undergraduate costs, please visit our Cost Estimator.

In addition to these expenses, students should anticipate the cost of uniforms, lab fees, and NCLEX preparation materials. Please note that on-campus housing is not provided for second degree students, so candidates should make plans for living arrangements off campus. Enrolled students will also need to provide proof of an active health insurance plan by the start this program. Belmont does not provide student health insurance, so applicants will need to factor in this cost as well.

Second degree candidates are eligible to apply for Federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans for undergraduate students. Eligibility for these loans is determined by information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants must submit the Undergraduate FAFSA by March 1 to receive an award letter before the program's enrollment confirmation deadline. Specific questions about financial aid and how aid eligibility differs for second degree candidates is available through Student Financial Services.

If you would like to receive more information about the Accelerated Second Degree BSN Program, please join us for one of our Information Sessions scheduled on several dates in the fall and spring. Each session will include detailed information about the program structure, prerequisites, and financial aid. On-campus sessions will be followed by a brief tour of our Nursing facilities. To sign up for an Accelerated Second Degree Nursing Information Session, click on date below you wish to attend and complete the registration information. In order to register you will need to login to an existing BU4U account or create a new account.

On-Campus Information Sessions & Lab Tours

• Saturday, February 20^th from 10:30-11:30 AM CST
• Friday, March 12^th from 3:30-4:30 PM CST
• Saturday, April 10^th from 10:30-11:30 AM CST

Capacity for these events is limited. All participants must agree to abide by Belmont’s COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols.  Please note: Accelerated Information Sessions are designed exclusively for second Bachelor degree-seeking students.

Online Information Sessions

We are still in the process of planning our online events, but prospective students are welcome to schedule an individual Zoom meeting with Lauren Lauzon here in the meantime.

Successful completion of the student learning outcomes of the undergraduate program in nursing requires the students to:

• Incorporate knowledge from the arts, humanities, and sciences in nursing practice.
• Utilize leadership and management skills to improve healthcare outcomes of individuals and populations in a variety of settings within a culture of safety and caring.
• Evaluate, integrate and translate current evidence into professional nursing practice.
• Utilize effective communication and information technology to enhance safe nursing practice.
• Utilize knowledge of healthcare policy, resource management, and regulatory environments to advocate for consumers and the nursing profession.
• Communicate and collaborate with members of the healthcare team to optimize patient outcomes.
• Incorporate knowledge of health promotion and disease and injury prevention across the lifespan for populations.
• Demonstrate core nursing values through self-reflective professional behavior that enhance the safety and welfare of all patient populations.
• Integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to provide compassionate, therapeutic, and culturally sensitive patient-centered care.