BSN-Accelerated Second Degree

Program Overview

Shenandoah University's BSN-Accelerated Second Degree program is a 15-month fast-track for non-nursing bachelor's degree holders seeking a nursing career. With a focus on hands-on learning, small class sizes, and dedicated faculty support, the program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge for entry-level professional nurse positions in diverse healthcare settings. Graduates consistently achieve above-national-average NCLEX pass rates, ensuring their readiness for the nursing workforce.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Target Audience: Individuals with non-nursing bachelor's degrees seeking a fast-track entry into nursing.
• Program Length: 15 months.
• Highlights:
• Above-national-average NCLEX pass rates.
• Hands-on learning with simulation and clinical experiences.
• Small class sizes and dedicated faculty support.
• Flexible schedule with locations in Winchester and Loudoun.
• Objectives: Equip graduates with the skills and knowledge for entry-level professional nurse positions in diverse healthcare settings.

Outline:

• Curriculum:
• 1st Semester:
• Health Assessment (3/1)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (3/1)
• Foundations in Professional Nursing Concepts and Practice (3/1)
• Pathophysiology (3)
• Pharmacotherapy (3)
• 2nd Semester:
• Nursing Care of Adults I (3/2)
• Theory, Research and EBP (3)
• Nursing Care of Adults II (3/2)
• Ethics and Genomics in Nursing (3)
• Advancing Nursing Practice and Clinical Judgment (1/1)
• 3rd Semester:
• Nursing Care of Children and Adolescents (3/1)
• Nursing Care of Childbearing Families (3/1)
• Nursing Care of Adults III (3/2)
• 4th Semester:
• Community and Population Health (3/1)
• Senior Nursing Capstone (0/3)
• Advancing to Professional Practice (3)
• Leadership and Management in Professional Nursing Practice (3)
• Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Nursing (3)
• Total Nursing Credits: 65
• Total Credits for BSN: 121

Assessment:

• NCLEX-RN preparation: Included in the final semester.
• High NCLEX pass rates: Consistently above the national average.
• Continuous assessment: Through exams, assignments, and clinical performance.

Teaching:

• Faculty: Experienced and practicing nurses with expertise in various specialties.
• Low faculty-student ratio: Ensures personalized attention.
• Small classes and clinical groups: Foster a close-knit community.
• Learning support services: Available to all students in every course.
• Unique approaches:
• Simulation technology for realistic clinical practice.
• Interprofessional experiences with other health care programs.

Careers:

• High demand for nurses: Projected to be the fastest-growing occupation in the U.S.
• Diverse career opportunities: Hospitals, clinics, public health, military, etc.
• Career support: Resume building, mock interviews, professional development workshops.

Other:

• Learning support services: Free peer tutoring, writing center, math enrichment center.
• Graduate program assured admission: For Shenandoah BSN or MSN alumni.

Additional Notes:

• The program requires a minimum of 30 credits from Shenandoah University.
• /
• The program prepares graduates to deliver, manage, and lead nursing care in various settings.