Accelerated Second Degree BSN (Acc)
Nurses with bachelor's degrees are in high demand, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession is expected to grow 6% by 2031. Nationally, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs offered as a second degree are growing in response to this demand. Registered Nurses, particularly those with a BSN, experience strong earning potential. If you already hold a bachelor's or higher degree in another field and wish to pursue nursing as a second career, Concordia's Accelerated BSN program can get you on your path quickly.
Program Highlights
Students progress through the program as part of a cohort. Classes are offered in a blended delivery (both online and face-to-face), using a concept-based curriculum. Web-based resources and a strong foundation in simulation promote active, hands-on, engaged learning.
Clinical, lab and simulation experiences are held in the skills and high-fidelity simulation labs on campus, and in acute, transitional, and community-based settings on weekdays and weekends (times and days vary). A transition-to-practice clinical at program’s end prepares graduates to confidently enter professional nursing practice. This is a rigorous program, and students are encouraged to work as few hours as possible during the 14-month course of study.
This 63-credit accelerated BSN program includes 6 theology credits to fulfill the Concordia University transfer core requirements. (Graduates of CUW or CUAA may have already satisfied their theology credit requirements.) Students can meet the remainder of the transfer core requirements through credit transfer or prerequisite coursework from other accredited institutions. Put your knowledge and accomplishments to work for you as you work toward your goal of becoming a skilled professional RN!
Accreditation
Concordia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing at Concordia University Wisconsin is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Program Learning Outcomes
- Apply liberal arts education and scientific background information into practice.
- Apply organizational and leadership principles in practice to improve quality and patient safety.
- Apply current evidence into professional nursing practice.
- Use informatics and healthcare technologies to inform decision-making regarding quality patient care and safety.
- Demonstrate knowledge of healthcare policy, finance, and regulatory environments.
- Communicate and collaborate in an interprofessional healthcare environment to deliver safe, high quality patient care.
- Apply knowledge of health promotion and disease prevention to improve individual and population health.
- Demonstrate professionalism and professional values within the context of a Christian perspective.
- Engage in the professional roles of the nurse as care provider, care manager/coordinator, lifelong learner and member of the profession.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 6 | |
| Major Courses | 57 | |
| Courses Transferred In | 57 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses (must be taken at Concordia) | ||
| REL 159 | Heritage of Faith | 3 |
| REL 393 | Christian Care-Giving for Health Professionals | 3 |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Major Courses (must be taken at Concordia) | ||
| NURS 270 | Pathophysiology Across the Lifespan | 4 |
| NURS 271 | Health Assessment Across the Lifespan | 4 |
| NURS 272 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| NURS 273 | Fundamentals of Professional Nursing | 5 |
| NURS 371 | Evidence-Based Nursing and Change Management | 2 |
| NURS 372 | Patient-Centered Care: Chronic Care | 4 |
| NURS 373 | Patient-Centered Care: Chronic Care Clinical | 3 |
| NURS 374 | Health Systems: Policy, Regulation, and Quality Issues for Professional Nursing | 2 |
| NURS 376 | Patient-Centered Care: Acute Conditions | 4 |
| NURS 377 | Patient-Centered Care: Acute Conditions Clinical | 3 |
| NURS 378 | Population-Focused Care | 3 |
| NURS 379 | Population-Focused Care Clinical | 2 |
| NURS 472 | Family Centered Care Theory | 3 |
| NURS 473 | Family Centered Care Clinical | 2 |
| NURS 474 | Patient Centered Care: Complex Conditions and Transitional Care Theory | 4 |
| NURS 476 | Trans to Pro Nurs Prtce Theory | 2 |
| NURS 479 | Transition to Professional Nursing Practice | 6 |
| NURS 480 | Professional Nursing Preparation and Licensure | 1 |
| Total Hours | 57 | |
Entrance Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university
- Overall GPA of 2.75 or higher
- B or higher in the following courses: Anatomy and Physiology 1; Anatomy and Physiology 2; Chemistry; Microbiology with lab
- Grade of C or higher in college algebra (or waiver with a 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus exam or CLEP credits for college algebra)
- For ESL students, a language test score of 75 or higher on TOEFL or 6.5 or higher on IELTS
- Two letters of professional recommendation
- State Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course completion
- Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare professionals. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification
- To attend clinicals students must adhere to all requirements set forth by CUW Healthcare Partners, including the COVID-19 vaccination.
Application Process
- Students must online through NursingCas. The application deadline for this program is November 1 for the following spring cohort.
- Submit current CV or resume that includes educational and professional experience.
- Send official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.
- Submit personal essay (see essay specifications).
- Once accepted in the program, student will undergo a background check, including Department of Justice DHFS criminal background and caregiver checks. Additional information will be provided.
Financial Aid
Tuition for the program covers books and online resources. Students will need to purchase uniforms, a stethoscope, and other clinical supplies for their personal use. All students are eligible to be reviewed for financial aid; to do so, students will need to complete the FAFSA at: www.fafsa.gov. Concordia’s school code is: 003842. Questions? Contact Concordia’s Financial Aid Office: FINAID@CUW.EDU | 262-243-4569
For More Information
Please contact Admissions Counselor Nicholas DeLeon at 262-243-1803 or nicholas.deleon@cuw.edu or go to CUW.EDU/NURSING